Is Pinecrest, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70/100
waterverge.com Pinecrest, CA — Water Quality Report
Pinecrest's drinking water received a grade of B- (70 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,298 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pinecrest's water
Pinecrest ranks #513 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pinecrest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pinecrest, CA water safe to drink?
Pinecrest's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (70/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,298 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pinecrest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinecrest's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pinecrest's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Pinecrest's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nevada County has experienced 6 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 Pinecrest's water come from?
Pinecrest's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,298 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Pinecrest 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Pinecrest'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
Flood & disaster history
Nevada County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pinecrest's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 12.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pinecrest compares by contaminant
Explore where Pinecrest ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pinecrest's water comes from
Pinecrest'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 1,298 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pinecrest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINECREST PERMITTEES ASSN | CA5510004 | 1,298 | SW |
How Pinecrest compares
Full California rankings →Pinecrest's score of 70/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Pinecrest, CA
Wikipedia →Pinecrest is an unincorporated community in the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County, California, United States. Pinecrest is located near Pinecrest Lake northeast of Mi-Wuk Village. Pinecrest Lake sits in what was once a meadow surrounded by granite outcroppings. Originally, Pinecrest Lake was called Strawberry Flat because of the wild strawberries that once grew there. In the 1960s the name was officially changed to Pinecrest. Pinecrest is a community of USFS Recreation Residences authorized by the United States Forest Service under the Occupancy Permits Act. The campground adjacent to the lake is under the white fir, cedar, and sugar pine trees.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pinecrest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tuolumne
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinecrest, CA tap water safe to drink?
Pinecrest's water quality earned a grade of B- (70/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #513 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Pinecrest's water?
Lead was measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Pinecrest'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 Pinecrest?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pinecrest's water come from?
Pinecrest's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,298 residents.
What health violations has Pinecrest's water system had?
Pinecrest has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pinecrest's water compare to other cities?
Pinecrest ranks #513 out of 694 cities in California (better than 26% of state cities) and #10828 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pinecrest's small water system affect quality?
Pinecrest's system serves approximately 1,298 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 7 violations on record.