Is Le Grand, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Le Grand, CA — Water Quality Report
Le Grand's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,739 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 19 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Le Grand's water
Le Grand ranks #475 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Le Grand 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, Le Grand may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Le Grand, CA water safe to drink?
Le Grand's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,739 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Le Grand
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Le Grand's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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 Le Grand's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Le Grand's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Merced County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Le Grand's water come from?
Le Grand's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,739 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Le Grand residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Le Grand'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.
Le Grand'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 Le Grand
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Le Grand, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CERTAINTEED LLC CHOWCHILLA, CA93610 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC CHOWCHILLA, CA93610 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Merced County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Le Grand compares by contaminant
Explore where Le Grand ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Le Grand's water comes from
Le Grand'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 1,739 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Le Grand
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE GRAND COMM SERVICES DIST | CA2410011 | 1,739 | GW |
How Le Grand compares
Full California rankings →Le Grand's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Le Grand, CA
Wikipedia →Le Grand is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Merced County, California, United States. Le Grand is 14 miles (23 km) east-southeast of Merced, the county seat at an elevation of 253 feet (77 m). The population was 1,592 at the 2020 census, down from 1,659 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Le Grand's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Merced
Frequently asked questions
Is Le Grand, CA tap water safe to drink?
Le Grand's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #475 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Le Grand's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Le Grand'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 Le Grand?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Le Grand's water come from?
Le Grand's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,739 residents.
What health violations has Le Grand's water system had?
Le Grand has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Le Grand's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Le Grand 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 19 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 Le Grand's water compare to other cities?
Le Grand ranks #475 out of 694 cities in California (better than 32% of state cities) and #10108 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Le Grand's small water system affect quality?
Le Grand's system serves approximately 1,739 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 19 violations on record.