Is Redwood Valley, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.1/100
waterverge.com Redwood Valley, CA — Water Quality Report
Redwood Valley's drinking water received a grade of C (64.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,092 residents using purchased surface water.
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 76 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Redwood Valley's water
Redwood Valley ranks #553 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Redwood Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Redwood Valley, CA water safe to drink?
Redwood Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,092 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Redwood Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Redwood Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Toluene.
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 Redwood Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Redwood Valley's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 23 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 Ef Russian R Nr Calpella.
Where does Redwood Valley's water come from?
Redwood Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,092 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ef Russian R Nr Calpella (river).
What Redwood Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Redwood Valley'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.
Redwood Valley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Redwood Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Redwood Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MENDOCINO FOREST PRODUCTS CO. LLC UKIAH, CA95482 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Redwood Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Redwood Valley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Redwood Valley's water comes from
Redwood Valley'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,092 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Redwood Valley
Redwood Valley 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 Redwood Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote Valley System | 090600030 | 850 | SWP |
| Redwood Valley Rancheria | 090605118 | 152 | SWP |
| LAKE VIEW MUTUAL WATER CO. | CA2300606 | 90 | GW |
How Redwood Valley compares
Full California rankings →Redwood Valley's score of 64.1/100 is above 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 Redwood Valley
The water systems serving Redwood Valley cover 2 ZIP codes. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Redwood Valley, CA
Wikipedia →Redwood City is a city in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula in the Bay Area of Northern California, approximately 27 miles (43 km) south of San Francisco and 24 miles (39 km) northwest of San Jose. The city's population was 84,292 according to the 2020 census. The Port of Redwood City is the only deepwater port on San Francisco Bay south of San Francisco.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Redwood Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mendocino
Frequently asked questions
Is Redwood Valley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Redwood Valley's water quality earned a grade of C (64.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #553 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Redwood Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Redwood Valley'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 Redwood Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Redwood Valley's water come from?
Redwood Valley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,092 residents.
What health violations has Redwood Valley's water system had?
Redwood Valley has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Redwood Valley's water compare to other cities?
Redwood Valley ranks #553 out of 694 cities in California (better than 20% of state cities) and #11689 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.