Is Hayfork, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Hayfork, CA — Water Quality Report
Hayfork's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,324 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 44.1 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hayfork's water
Hayfork ranks #501 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Hayfork may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hayfork, CA water safe to drink?
Hayfork's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,324 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hayfork
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hayfork's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hayfork's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Hayfork's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Trinity County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Hayfork's water come from?
Hayfork's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,324 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Hayfork residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hayfork'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Hayfork'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
Flood & disaster history
Trinity County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hayfork's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 44.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hayfork compares by contaminant
Explore where Hayfork ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hayfork's water comes from
Hayfork'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 2,324 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hayfork
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRINITY CO. W.W. DIST #1 | CA5310002 | 2,324 | SW |
How Hayfork compares
Full California rankings →Hayfork's score of 71.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Hayfork, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hayfork's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trinity
Frequently asked questions
Is Hayfork, CA tap water safe to drink?
Hayfork's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #501 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Hayfork's water?
Lead was measured at 44.1 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Hayfork'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 Hayfork?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hayfork's water come from?
Hayfork's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,324 residents.
What health violations has Hayfork's water system had?
Hayfork has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hayfork's water compare to other cities?
Hayfork ranks #501 out of 694 cities in California (better than 28% of state cities) and #10617 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hayfork's small water system affect quality?
Hayfork's system serves approximately 2,324 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 5 violations on record.