WaterVerge

Is Nice, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Nice ranks. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: CA1710008
Overall Score
95.4 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#35 of 694 in California Top 2% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
95.4/100
waterverge.com
A+ 95.4/100

Nice, CA — Water Quality Report

Nice's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,929 residents using surface water.

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 3 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Nice's water

Nice ranks #35 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Nice may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
95.4 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Nice, CA water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Nice's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,929 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Nice

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nice's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.4/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nice's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Nice's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2015 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2006 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2004 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Lake 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 Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport, Scotts C Bl Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport, Clover C Bypass A Elk Mtn Rd Nr Upper Lake, Scotts C Ab State Route 29 A Upper Lake, Cole C A Kelseyville.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4308

Where does Nice's water come from?

Nice's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,929 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport (river), Scotts C Bl Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport (river), Clover C Bypass A Elk Mtn Rd Nr Upper Lake (river), Scotts C Ab State Route 29 A Upper Lake (river), Cole C A Kelseyville (river).

What Nice residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Nice'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
3
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jan 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
0 Active
3 Health-based
3 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2015
Jul 2006 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2006
Apr 2004 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2004
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Nice

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nice, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION CO - HIGHWAY 175
Petroleum · GRANITE CONSTRUCTION INC
LAKEPORT, CA95453
10.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lake 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.

Mar 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3592
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4308
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248
Feb 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #758
Feb 1983
COASTAL STORMS, FLOODS, SLIDES & TORNADOES
Coastal Storm FEMA #677

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 32.0 ppb from 1993 (32.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Private
Population Served
2,929
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Nice's water comes from

Surface Water

Nice'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,929 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Nice

Nice is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport
river
Scotts C Bl Sf Scotts C Nr Lakeport
river
Clover C Bypass A Elk Mtn Rd Nr Upper Lake
river
Scotts C Ab State Route 29 A Upper Lake
river
Cole C A Kelseyville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Nice

System Name PWSID Population Source
NICE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY CA1710008 2,929 SW
Regional Comparison

How Nice compares

Full California rankings →

Nice's score of 95.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Nice (this city)
95.4
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

About Nice, CA

Wikipedia →

Nice is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lake County, California, United States. Nice is located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) southeast of Upper Lake, at an elevation of 1,362 feet (415 m). The population was 2,929 at the 2020 census, up from 2,731 at the 2010 census.

Economic Profile
$69,653
Median Income
$1,246/mo
Median Rent
5.1%
Unemployment
Community
45.5
Median Age
534
People / sq mi
21.1%
College Educated
61.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Nice, CA tap water safe to drink?

Nice's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 694 cities tested in California.

What contaminants are in Nice's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is Nice'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 Nice?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Nice's water come from?

Nice's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,929 residents.

What health violations has Nice's water system had?

Nice has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

How does Nice's water compare to other cities?

Nice ranks #35 out of 694 cities in California (better than 95% of state cities) and #315 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Nice's small water system affect quality?

Nice's system serves approximately 2,929 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 3 violations on record.