Is Junction City, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Junction City, CA — Water Quality Report
Junction City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 677 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 39 violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Junction City's water
Junction City ranks #254 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, Junction City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Junction City, CA water safe to drink?
Junction City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 677 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Junction City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Junction City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Junction City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Junction City's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 4 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. Local water sources include Trinity R Bl Limekiln Gulch Nr Douglas City, Indian C Nr Douglas City, Trinity R A Douglas City, Trinity R A Junction City, Trinity R Ab Nf Trinity R Nr Helena.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 677 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trinity R Bl Limekiln Gulch Nr Douglas City (river), Indian C Nr Douglas City (river), Trinity R A Douglas City (river), Trinity R A Junction City (river), Trinity R Ab Nf Trinity R Nr Helena (river).
What Junction City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Junction City'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.
Junction City'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.
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 Junction City compares by contaminant
Explore where Junction City ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Junction City's water comes from
Junction City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 677 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Junction City
Junction City is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Junction City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEWISTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT | CA5301002 | 677 | SW |
How Junction City compares
Full California rankings →Junction City's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Junction City, CA
Wikipedia →Junction City is a census-designated place (CDP) in Trinity County, California. Junction City sits at an elevation of 1,909 feet (582 m). Its population is 658 as of the 2020 census, down from 680 from the 2010 census. Junction City is located 8 miles (13 km) west of Weaverville. The Trinity River runs through the town and heads northwest from there. The ZIP Code is 96048. The community is inside area code 530.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Junction City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trinity
Frequently asked questions
Is Junction City, CA tap water safe to drink?
Junction City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #254 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Junction City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Junction City'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 Junction City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 677 residents.
What health violations has Junction City's water system had?
Junction City has 35 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Junction City's water compare to other cities?
Junction City ranks #254 out of 694 cities in California (better than 63% of state cities) and #5123 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Junction City's small water system affect quality?
Junction City's system serves approximately 677 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 39 violations on record.