Is Trinity Center, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.4/100
waterverge.com Trinity Center, CA — Water Quality Report
Trinity Center's drinking water received a grade of C (61.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,206 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 43 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Trinity Center's water
Trinity Center ranks #561 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, Trinity Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Trinity Center, CA water safe to drink?
Trinity Center's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,206 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Trinity Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Trinity Center's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper 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 Trinity Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Trinity Center's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 11 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 Ab Coffee C Nr Trinity Center.
Where does Trinity Center's water come from?
Trinity Center's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,206 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 Ab Coffee C Nr Trinity Center (river).
What Trinity Center residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Trinity Center'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.
Trinity Center'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Trinity Center's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.667 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Trinity Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Trinity Center ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Trinity Center's water comes from
Trinity Center'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 1,206 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Trinity Center
Trinity Center 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 Trinity Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRINITY CENTER M.W.C. . | CA5310003 | 729 | SW |
| TRINITY KNOLLS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA5301102 | 338 | GW |
| COVINGTON MILL MWC-DIVISION B | CA5301104 | 99 | GW |
| SEYMOUR'S MUTUAL WATER SYSTEM | CA5301201 | 40 | GW |
How Trinity Center compares
Full California rankings →Trinity Center's score of 61.4/100 is on par with the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Trinity Center, CA
Wikipedia →Trinity Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in Trinity County, California, United States. Trinity Center is located 29 miles (47 km) north of Weaverville. It is home to Trinity Lake, a popular summer tourist destination. It is home to a store, Trinity Center Airport, a marina, a community church, several campgrounds, and several small resorts.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Trinity Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trinity
Frequently asked questions
Is Trinity Center, CA tap water safe to drink?
Trinity Center's water quality earned a grade of C (61.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #561 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Trinity Center's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Trinity Center'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 Trinity Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Trinity Center's water come from?
Trinity Center's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,206 residents.
What health violations has Trinity Center's water system had?
Trinity Center has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Trinity Center's water compare to other cities?
Trinity Center ranks #561 out of 694 cities in California (better than 19% of state cities) and #11993 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.