Is Herlong, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Herlong, CA — Water Quality Report
Herlong's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,114 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Herlong's water
Herlong ranks #197 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Herlong relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Herlong may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Herlong, CA water safe to drink?
Herlong's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,114 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Herlong
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Herlong's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3248). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Herlong's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Herlong's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lassen County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Herlong's water come from?
Herlong's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,114 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Herlong residents can do
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.
Herlong'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Herlong
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Herlong, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S ARMY SIERRA ARMY DEPOT HERLONG, CA96113 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS FCI HERLONG HERLONG, CA96113 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLassen 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
Lassen County has experienced 6 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Herlong compares by contaminant
Explore where Herlong ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Herlong's water comes from
Herlong's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,114 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Herlong
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERLONG PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | CA1805007 | 2,114 | GW |
How Herlong compares
Full California rankings →Herlong's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Herlong, CA
Wikipedia →Herlong is a census-designated place in Lassen County, California. Herlong is located at the extreme eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in the southeastern region of Honey Lake Valley, 8 miles (13 km) north of Doyle, at an elevation of 4,114 feet (1,254 m). Its population is 237 as of the 2020 census, down from 298 from the 2010 census. Herlong is located in southern Lassen County near the southeast edge of Honey Lake, about 70 miles (110 km) north of Reno, Nevada, and about 45 miles (72 km) south of Susanville, the county seat. The community is accessible to U.S. Route 395 via Lassen County Route A25 or Lassen County Route A26.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Herlong's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lassen
Frequently asked questions
Is Herlong, CA tap water safe to drink?
Herlong's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #197 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Herlong's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Herlong'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 Herlong?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Herlong's water come from?
Herlong's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,114 residents.
Is Herlong's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Herlong uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 1 violation on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Herlong's water compare to other cities?
Herlong ranks #197 out of 694 cities in California (better than 72% of state cities) and #3591 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Herlong's small water system affect quality?
Herlong's system serves approximately 2,114 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 1 violation on record.