Is Tulelake, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Tulelake, CA — Water Quality Report
Tulelake's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,485 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 26 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tulelake's water
Tulelake ranks #459 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Tulelake relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Tulelake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tulelake, CA water safe to drink?
Tulelake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,485 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tulelake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tulelake's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
2 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-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tulelake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tulelake's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Siskiyou County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Lost River, Lost Rvr.
Where does Tulelake's water come from?
Tulelake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,485 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lost River (river), Lost Rvr (river).
What Tulelake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tulelake'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.
Tulelake'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtModoc County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Siskiyou County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tulelake compares by contaminant
Explore where Tulelake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tulelake's water comes from
Tulelake's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,485 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tulelake
Tulelake is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tulelake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TULELAKE, CITY OF | CA4710010 | 856 | GW |
| NEWELL COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | CA2500801 | 629 | GW |
How Tulelake compares
Full California rankings →Tulelake's score of 75/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Tulelake, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tulelake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Tulelake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Tulelake's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #459 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Tulelake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Tulelake'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 Tulelake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tulelake's water come from?
Tulelake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,485 residents.
What health violations has Tulelake's water system had?
Tulelake has 8 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tulelake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tulelake uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 26 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Tulelake's water compare to other cities?
Tulelake ranks #459 out of 694 cities in California (better than 34% of state cities) and #9701 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.