Is Seeley, 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 ↓
71.7/100
waterverge.com Seeley, CA — Water Quality Report
Seeley's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,729 residents using purchased 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 62 violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Seeley's water
Seeley ranks #495 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, Seeley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Seeley, CA water safe to drink?
Seeley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,729 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Seeley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Seeley's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Seeley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Seeley's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Imperial County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Seeley's water come from?
Seeley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,729 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Seeley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Seeley'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.
Seeley'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 Seeley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Seeley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US NAVY NAVAL AIR FACILITY EL CENTRO EL CENTRO, CA92243 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 28,000 | 2.2 mi |
US GYPSUM CO EL CENTRO, CA92243 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Imperial County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Seeley compares by contaminant
Explore where Seeley ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Seeley's water comes from
Seeley'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 1,729 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Seeley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEELEY CWD | CA1310013 | 1,729 | SWP |
How Seeley compares
Full California rankings →Seeley's score of 71.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Seeley, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Seeley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Imperial
Frequently asked questions
Is Seeley, CA tap water safe to drink?
Seeley's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #495 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Seeley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Seeley'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 Seeley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Seeley's water come from?
Seeley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,729 residents.
What health violations has Seeley's water system had?
Seeley has 53 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Seeley's water compare to other cities?
Seeley ranks #495 out of 694 cities in California (better than 29% of state cities) and #10506 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Seeley's small water system affect quality?
Seeley's system serves approximately 1,729 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 62 violations on record.