Is Montague, 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 ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Montague, CA — Water Quality Report
Montague's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 10 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montague's water
Montague ranks #303 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Montague may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montague, CA water safe to drink?
Montague's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Montague
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montague's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montague's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montague's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Siskiyou 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. Local water sources include Shasta R Nr Montague, Shasta R Nr Yreka.
Where does Montague's water come from?
Montague's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Shasta R Nr Montague (river), Shasta R Nr Yreka (river).
What Montague residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montague'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.
Montague'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 Montague
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montague, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TIMBER PRODUCTS CO. YREKA, CA96097 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSiskiyou 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
Siskiyou 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montague compares by contaminant
Explore where Montague ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montague's water comes from
Montague's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,264 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montague
Montague is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Montague
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTAGUE, CITY OF | CA4710007 | 1,264 | SW |
How Montague compares
Full California rankings →Montague's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Montague, CA
Wikipedia →Montague is a city in Siskiyou County, California, United States. Its population is 1,226 as of the 2020 census, down from 1,443 from the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montague's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Montague, CA tap water safe to drink?
Montague's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #303 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Montague's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Montague'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 Montague?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montague's water come from?
Montague's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 residents.
What health violations has Montague's water system had?
Montague has 9 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.
How does Montague's water compare to other cities?
Montague ranks #303 out of 694 cities in California (better than 56% of state cities) and #6409 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montague's small water system affect quality?
Montague's system serves approximately 1,264 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 10 violations on record.