Is Pine Grove, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Pine Grove, CA — Water Quality Report
Pine Grove's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,209 residents using purchased 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 32 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Grove's water
Pine Grove ranks #394 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average 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, Pine Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Grove, CA water safe to drink?
Pine Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,209 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood 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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Grove's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mendocino County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Noyo R Nr Fort Bragg.
Where does Pine Grove's water come from?
Pine Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,209 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Noyo R Nr Fort Bragg (river).
What Pine Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Grove'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.
Pine Grove'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Pine Grove
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ARGONAUT MINE7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Mendocino County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Pine Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Grove ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Grove's water comes from
Pine Grove'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 2,209 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Pine Grove
Pine Grove is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pine Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE GROVE COMM SERV DIST | CA0310005 | 1,141 | SWP |
| FIRST MACE MEADOW # 1 | CA0310011 | 838 | SWP |
| FIRST MACE MEADOWS UNIT NO. 2 | CA0310018 | 230 | SWP |
How Pine Grove compares
Full California rankings →Pine Grove's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Pine Grove, CA
Wikipedia →Pacific Grove is a city situated on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California. Located in Monterey County, the city had a population of 15,090 at the 2020 census. Pacific Grove is a popular tourist destination on the Central Coast, hosting notable attractions the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Asilomar Conference Center, the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens, and Point Pinos Lighthouse, among others.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Amador
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Grove, CA tap water safe to drink?
Pine Grove's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #394 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Pine Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Pine Grove'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 Pine Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Grove's water come from?
Pine Grove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,209 residents.
What health violations has Pine Grove's water system had?
Pine Grove has 17 health-based violations 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pine Grove's water compare to other cities?
Pine Grove ranks #394 out of 694 cities in California (better than 43% of state cities) and #8602 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.