Is Los Molinos, 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 ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com Los Molinos, CA — Water Quality Report
Los Molinos's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 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 55 violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Los Molinos's water
Los Molinos ranks #261 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Los Molinos 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, Los Molinos may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Los Molinos, CA water safe to drink?
Los Molinos's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Los Molinos
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Los Molinos's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
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: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Los Molinos's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Los Molinos's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 50 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tehama 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 Mill C Nr Los Molinos.
Where does Los Molinos's water come from?
Los Molinos's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill C Nr Los Molinos (river).
What Los Molinos 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.
Los Molinos'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 Los Molinos
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Los Molinos, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PACIFIC WOODTECH CORP RED BLUFF, CA96080 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tehama 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Los Molinos compares by contaminant
Explore where Los Molinos ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Los Molinos's water comes from
Los Molinos'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,450 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Los Molinos
Los Molinos is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Los Molinos
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS MOLINOS COMM. SERVICES DIST. | CA5210003 | 1,450 | GW |
How Los Molinos compares
Full California rankings →Los Molinos's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Los Molinos, CA
Wikipedia →Los Molinos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tehama County, California, United States. The population was 2,098 at the 2020 census, up from 2,037 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Los Molinos's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tehama
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Molinos, CA tap water safe to drink?
Los Molinos's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #261 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Los Molinos's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Los Molinos'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 Los Molinos?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Los Molinos's water come from?
Los Molinos's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 residents.
What health violations has Los Molinos's water system had?
Los Molinos has 50 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Los Molinos's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Los Molinos 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 55 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 Los Molinos's water compare to other cities?
Los Molinos ranks #261 out of 694 cities in California (better than 62% of state cities) and #5351 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Los Molinos's small water system affect quality?
Los Molinos's system serves approximately 1,450 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 55 violations on record.