Is Point Reyes Station, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Point Reyes Station, CA — Water Quality Report
Point Reyes Station's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Point Reyes Station's water
Point Reyes Station ranks #224 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Point Reyes Station 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.
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, Point Reyes Station may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Point Reyes Station, CA water safe to drink?
Point Reyes Station's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Point Reyes Station
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Point Reyes Station's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Antimony, Total, Arsenic, Barium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Point Reyes Station'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
Point Reyes Station's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Marin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Lagunitas C A Samuel P Taylor State Park, Lagunitas C Nr Pt Reyes Station, Olema C A Vedanta Bridge A Olema, Walker C Nr Marshall.
Where does Point Reyes Station's water come from?
Point Reyes Station's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lagunitas C A Samuel P Taylor State Park (river), Lagunitas C Nr Pt Reyes Station (river), Olema C A Vedanta Bridge A Olema (river), Walker C Nr Marshall (river).
What Point Reyes Station 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.
Point Reyes Station'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
Marin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Reyes Station'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. | 8.0 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Point Reyes Station compares by contaminant
Explore where Point Reyes Station ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Point Reyes Station's water comes from
Point Reyes Station'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 1,560 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes Station is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Point Reyes Station
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPS PRNS - BEACHES | CA2110502 | 1,560 | GW |
How Point Reyes Station compares
Full California rankings →Point Reyes Station's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Point Reyes Station, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Point Reyes Station's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marin
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Reyes Station, CA tap water safe to drink?
Point Reyes Station's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #224 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Point Reyes Station's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Point Reyes Station'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 Reyes Station?
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 Point Reyes Station's water come from?
Point Reyes Station's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 residents.
Is Point Reyes Station's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Point Reyes Station 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 38 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 Reyes Station's water compare to other cities?
Point Reyes Station ranks #224 out of 694 cities in California (better than 68% of state cities) and #4528 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Point Reyes Station's small water system affect quality?
Point Reyes Station's system serves approximately 1,560 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 38 violations on record.