Is Scotia, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Scotia, CA — Water Quality Report
Scotia's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 9 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scotia's water
Scotia ranks #362 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, Scotia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scotia, CA water safe to drink?
Scotia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 906 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scotia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scotia's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scotia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scotia's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 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 Bull C Nr Weott, Eel R A Scotia, Eel R A Fernbridge.
Where does Scotia's water come from?
Scotia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 906 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bull C Nr Weott (river), Eel R A Scotia (river), Eel R A Fernbridge (river).
What Scotia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scotia'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.
Scotia'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 Scotia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scotia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRYSTAL CREAMERY INC. DBA HUMBOLDT CREAMERY FORTUNA, CA95540 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
HUMBOLDT SAWMILL CO & COGENERATION PLANT SCOTIA, CA95565 | — | — | 0.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scotia compares by contaminant
Explore where Scotia ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scotia's water comes from
Scotia'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 906 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Scotia
Scotia is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Scotia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTIA CSD | CA1210010 | 906 | SW |
How Scotia compares
Full California rankings →Scotia's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Scotia, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scotia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Humboldt
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotia, CA tap water safe to drink?
Scotia's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #362 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Scotia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Scotia'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 Scotia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scotia's water come from?
Scotia's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 906 residents.
What health violations has Scotia's water system had?
Scotia has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Scotia's water compare to other cities?
Scotia ranks #362 out of 694 cities in California (better than 48% of state cities) and #7851 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scotia's small water system affect quality?
Scotia's system serves approximately 906 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 9 violations on record.