Is Point Arena, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.2/100
waterverge.com Point Arena, CA — Water Quality Report
Point Arena's drinking water received a grade of D (48.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 321 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Point Arena's water
Point Arena ranks #618 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Point Arena 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, Point Arena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Point Arena, CA water safe to drink?
Point Arena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Point Arena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Point Arena's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Point Arena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Point Arena's water system has 321 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 13 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 Garcia R.
Where does Point Arena's water come from?
Point Arena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,175 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Garcia R (river).
What Point Arena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Point Arena'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Point Arena'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Point Arena'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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Point Arena compares by contaminant
Explore where Point Arena ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Point Arena's water comes from
Point Arena'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,175 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Point Arena
Point Arena is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Point Arena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Arena Rancheria | 090600145 | 616 | GW |
| POINT ARENA WATER WORKS | CA2310013 | 459 | GW |
| Manchester Rancheria | 090600139 | 100 | GW |
How Point Arena compares
Full California rankings →Point Arena's score of 48.2/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →ZIP codes served by Point Arena
The water systems serving Point Arena cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Point Arena, CA
Wikipedia →Point Arena, formerly known as Punta Arena is a small coastal city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Point Arena is located 32 miles (51 km) west of Hopland, at an elevation of 118 feet (36 m). The population was 460 at the 2020 census, making it one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Point Arena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mendocino
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Arena, CA tap water safe to drink?
Point Arena's water quality earned a grade of D (48.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #618 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Point Arena's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 321 violations are on record.
How is Point Arena'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 Point Arena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Point Arena's water come from?
Point Arena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,175 residents.
What health violations has Point Arena's water system had?
Point Arena has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
Is Point Arena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Point Arena 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 321 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 Point Arena's water compare to other cities?
Point Arena ranks #618 out of 694 cities in California (better than 11% of state cities) and #13485 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.