Is Inverness, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Inverness, CA — Water Quality Report
Inverness's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,445 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 31 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Inverness's water
Inverness ranks #205 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, Inverness may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Inverness, CA water safe to drink?
Inverness's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,445 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Inverness
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Inverness's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Inverness's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Inverness's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Lagunitas C A Samuel P Taylor State Park, Lagunitas C Nr Pt Reyes Station, Olema C A Vedanta Bridge A Olema, Walker C Nr Marshall.
Where does Inverness's water come from?
Inverness's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,445 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lagunitas C A Samuel P Taylor State Park (river), Lagunitas C Nr Pt Reyes Station (river), Olema C A Vedanta Bridge A Olema (river), Walker C Nr Marshall (river).
What Inverness 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.
Inverness'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
Marin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Inverness compares by contaminant
Explore where Inverness ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Inverness's water comes from
Inverness'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 1,445 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Inverness
Inverness is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Inverness
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INVERNESS PUBLIC UTILITY DIST | CA2110001 | 1,445 | SW |
How Inverness compares
Full California rankings →Inverness's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Inverness, CA
Wikipedia →Inverness is an unincorporated community in western Marin County, California, United States. It is located on the southwest shore of Tomales Bay 3.5 miles northwest of Point Reyes Station and about 40 miles (65 km) by road northwest of San Francisco, at an elevation of 43 feet. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Inverness as a census-designated place (CDP). In the 2020 census, the population was 1,379. The community was named by a Scottish landowner after Inverness in Scotland.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Inverness's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marin
Frequently asked questions
Is Inverness, CA tap water safe to drink?
Inverness's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #205 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Inverness's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Inverness'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 Inverness?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Inverness's water come from?
Inverness's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,445 residents.
What health violations has Inverness's water system had?
Inverness has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Inverness's water compare to other cities?
Inverness ranks #205 out of 694 cities in California (better than 70% of state cities) and #3957 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Inverness's small water system affect quality?
Inverness's system serves approximately 1,445 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 31 violations on record.