Is Happy Camp, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Happy Camp, CA — Water Quality Report
Happy Camp's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Happy Camp's water
Happy Camp ranks #325 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Happy Camp may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Happy Camp, CA water safe to drink?
Happy Camp's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Happy Camp
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Happy Camp's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Happy Camp's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Happy Camp's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Siskiyou County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Klamath R Nr Seiad Valley, Indian C Nr Happy Camp.
Where does Happy Camp's water come from?
Happy Camp's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Klamath R Nr Seiad Valley (river), Indian C Nr Happy Camp (river).
What Happy Camp residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Happy Camp's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Happy Camp's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSiskiyou County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Siskiyou County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Happy Camp compares by contaminant
Explore where Happy Camp ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Happy Camp's water comes from
Happy Camp's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Happy Camp
Happy Camp is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Happy Camp
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAPPY CAMP C.S.D. | CA4710012 | 1,100 | SW |
How Happy Camp compares
Full California rankings →Happy Camp's score of 82.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Happy Camp, CA
Wikipedia →Happy Camp is a census-designated place (CDP) in Siskiyou County, California, United States. Its population is 905 as of the 2020 census, down from 1,190 from the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Happy Camp's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Happy Camp, CA tap water safe to drink?
Happy Camp's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #325 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Happy Camp's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Happy Camp's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Happy Camp?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Happy Camp's water come from?
Happy Camp's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Happy Camp's water system had?
Happy Camp has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Happy Camp's water compare to other cities?
Happy Camp ranks #325 out of 694 cities in California (better than 53% of state cities) and #6997 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Happy Camp's small water system affect quality?
Happy Camp's system serves approximately 1,100 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.