Is Redway, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Redway ranks. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Redway, CA — Water Quality Report
Redway's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,207 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Redway's water
Redway ranks #79 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above 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, Redway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Redway, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Redway's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,207 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Redway
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Redway's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Redway's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Redway's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Humboldt 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 Sf Eel R Nr Miranda.
Where does Redway's water come from?
Redway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,207 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sf Eel R Nr Miranda (river).
What Redway 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.
Redway'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
Humboldt 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Redway compares by contaminant
Explore where Redway ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Redway's water comes from
Redway'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 1,207 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Redway
Redway 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 Redway
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDWAY C.S.D. | CA1210011 | 1,207 | SW |
How Redway compares
Full California rankings →Redway's score of 93/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Redway, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Redway's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Humboldt
Frequently asked questions
Is Redway, CA tap water safe to drink?
Redway's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Redway's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Redway'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 Redway?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Redway's water come from?
Redway's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,207 residents.
What health violations has Redway's water system had?
Redway has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Redway's water compare to other cities?
Redway ranks #79 out of 694 cities in California (better than 89% of state cities) and #1024 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Redway's small water system affect quality?
Redway's system serves approximately 1,207 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 6 violations on record.