Is Loyalton, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Loyalton, CA — Water Quality Report
Loyalton's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 983 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Loyalton's water
Loyalton ranks #116 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Loyalton 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, Loyalton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Loyalton, CA water safe to drink?
Loyalton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 983 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Loyalton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Loyalton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4308). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Loyalton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Loyalton's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sierra County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Loyalton's water come from?
Loyalton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 983 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Loyalton 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.
Loyalton'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 droughtSierra 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
Sierra County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Loyalton compares by contaminant
Explore where Loyalton ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Loyalton's water comes from
Loyalton'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 983 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Loyalton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LOYALTON | CA4610001 | 983 | GW |
How Loyalton compares
Full California rankings →Loyalton's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Loyalton, CA
Wikipedia →Loyalton is the only incorporated city in Sierra County, California, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 740, reflecting a decline of 29 from the 769 counted in 2010. The ZIP code for the community is 96118. The town is near the north extent of State Route 49, which ends at State Route 70 in Vinton. According to Rand-McNally, it is a fifty-mile drive on State Route 49 to the county seat, Downieville. Many of the population are ranchers, loggers, former loggers, or suburbanites who have relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and growing Reno–Tahoe area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Loyalton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sierra
Frequently asked questions
Is Loyalton, CA tap water safe to drink?
Loyalton's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #116 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Loyalton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Loyalton'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 Loyalton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Loyalton's water come from?
Loyalton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 983 residents.
Is Loyalton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Loyalton 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 4 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 Loyalton's water compare to other cities?
Loyalton ranks #116 out of 694 cities in California (better than 83% of state cities) and #1884 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Loyalton's small water system affect quality?
Loyalton's system serves approximately 983 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 4 violations on record.