Is Salyer, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Salyer, CA — Water Quality Report
Salyer's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 693 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 62 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salyer's water
Salyer ranks #476 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.
As a small community water system, Salyer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salyer, CA water safe to drink?
Salyer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 693 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Salyer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salyer's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salyer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salyer's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Trinity County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Trinity R Nr Burnt Ranch.
Where does Salyer's water come from?
Salyer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 693 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trinity R Nr Burnt Ranch (river).
What Salyer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salyer'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.
Salyer'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
Trinity County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salyer compares by contaminant
Explore where Salyer ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salyer's water comes from
Salyer'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 693 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Salyer
Salyer 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 Salyer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRINITY VILLAGE MUTUAL WATER | CA5304102 | 332 | SW |
| SALYER MUTUAL WC (FORMERLY RIVERVIEW AC) | CA5304501 | 231 | SW |
| SALYER HEIGHTS W.S., INC | CA5304502 | 130 | SW |
How Salyer compares
Full California rankings →Salyer's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Salyer, CA
Wikipedia →Salyer is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Trinity County, California. Salyer is located on State Highway 299, 52 miles (84 km) east of Eureka and 93 miles (150 km) west of Redding. Its population is 389 as of the 2020 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Salyer as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salyer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trinity
Frequently asked questions
Is Salyer, CA tap water safe to drink?
Salyer's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #476 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Salyer's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Salyer'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 Salyer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salyer's water come from?
Salyer's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 693 residents.
What health violations has Salyer's water system had?
Salyer has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Salyer's water compare to other cities?
Salyer ranks #476 out of 694 cities in California (better than 31% of state cities) and #10116 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.