Is Klamath, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Klamath, CA — Water Quality Report
Klamath's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,563 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 2065 violations on record, including 102 health-based violations. 96 remain unresolved.
What to know about Klamath's water
Klamath ranks #622 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Klamath 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, Klamath may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 156 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Klamath, CA water safe to drink?
Klamath's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,563 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Klamath
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Klamath's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Klamath's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Klamath's water system has 2,065 total violations on record, including 102 health-based violations. 96 remain unresolved. 156 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Del Norte County has experienced 10 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 Klamath.
Where does Klamath's water come from?
Klamath's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,563 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Klamath R Nr Klamath (river).
What Klamath residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Klamath'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.
Klamath'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 droughtDel Norte 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
Del Norte County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Klamath'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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Klamath compares by contaminant
Explore where Klamath ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Klamath's water comes from
Klamath'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 1,563 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Klamath
Klamath is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Klamath
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLAMATH C.S.D. | CA0800548 | 360 | GW |
| Yurok - Terwer Water System | 090605143 | 300 | GW |
| Yurok - Requa | 090605014 | 215 | GW |
| REDWOOD PARK C.S.D. | CA0800526 | 200 | GW |
| Yurok - Weitchpec | 090605006 | 120 | SW |
| Yurok - Wautec | 090600134 | 96 | SW |
| HUNTER VALLEY CSD | CA0800557 | 96 | GW |
| Yurok - Kepel | 090605033 | 76 | SW |
| Pulikla Tribe | 090605057 | 70 | GW |
| Yurok - McCoy - Kenek | 090600161 | 30 | SW |
How Klamath compares
Full California rankings →Klamath's score of 48/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →ZIP codes served by Klamath
The water systems serving Klamath cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Klamath, CA
Wikipedia →Klamath is an unincorporated community in Del Norte County, California, situated on US Route 101 inland from the mouth of the Klamath River. The population of Klamath is 1088 based on the 2020 US Census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Klamath as a census-designated place (CDP). Klamath is at an elevation of 30 feet (9.1 m). Klamath is located within the Yurok Indian Reservation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Klamath's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Del Norte
Frequently asked questions
Is Klamath, CA tap water safe to drink?
Klamath's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #622 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Klamath's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 2065 violations are on record.
How is Klamath'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 Klamath?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Klamath's water come from?
Klamath's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,563 residents.
What health violations has Klamath's water system had?
Klamath has 102 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 96 violations remain unresolved.
Is Klamath's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Klamath 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 2065 violations 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 Klamath's water compare to other cities?
Klamath ranks #622 out of 694 cities in California (better than 10% of state cities) and #13535 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.