Is Maxwell, 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 ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Maxwell, CA — Water Quality Report
Maxwell's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Maxwell's water
Maxwell ranks #161 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Maxwell 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, Maxwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Maxwell, CA water safe to drink?
Maxwell's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Maxwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maxwell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Maxwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Maxwell's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Colusa County has experienced 8 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 Maxwell's water come from?
Maxwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,175 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Maxwell 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.
Maxwell'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 Maxwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Maxwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LATHAM POOL PRODUCTS INC-CA WILLIAMS, CA95987 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Colusa County has experienced 8 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Maxwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Maxwell ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Maxwell's water comes from
Maxwell'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 1,175 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Maxwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAXWELL PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | CA0610003 | 1,175 | GW |
How Maxwell compares
Full California rankings →Maxwell's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Maxwell, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Maxwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Colusa
Frequently asked questions
Is Maxwell, CA tap water safe to drink?
Maxwell's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #161 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Maxwell's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Maxwell'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 Maxwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Maxwell's water come from?
Maxwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,175 residents.
What health violations has Maxwell's water system had?
Maxwell has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Maxwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Maxwell 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 6 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 Maxwell's water compare to other cities?
Maxwell ranks #161 out of 694 cities in California (better than 77% of state cities) and #2923 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Maxwell's small water system affect quality?
Maxwell's system serves approximately 1,175 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 6 violations on record.