Is Weed, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.8/100
waterverge.com Weed, CA — Water Quality Report
Weed's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,595 residents using groundwater.
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 30 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Weed's water
Weed ranks #507 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Weed 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Weed, CA water safe to drink?
Weed's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,595 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Weed
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Weed's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).
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 Weed'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
Weed's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 6 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.
Where does Weed's water come from?
Weed's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,595 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Weed residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Weed'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.
Weed'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 Weed
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Weed, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROSEBURG FOREST PRODUCTS CO. - WEED FACILITY WEED, CA96094 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Weed
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- J H BAXTER CO1.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSiskiyou 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Weed'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.620 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Weed compares by contaminant
Explore where Weed ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Weed's water comes from
Weed'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 private ownership and serves approximately 5,595 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Weed
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE SHASTINA C.S.D | CA4710013 | 2,790 | GW |
| WEED, CITY OF | CA4710009 | 2,662 | GW |
| SISKIYOU CO.SERVICE AREA #5/CARRICK | CA4700521 | 143 | GW |
How Weed compares
Full California rankings →Weed's score of 70.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Weed, CA
Wikipedia →Weed is a city in Siskiyou County, California, United States. As of the 2020 Census, the city had a total population of 2,862, down from 2,967 in 2010. There are several unincorporated communities adjacent to, or just outside of Weed, including Edgewood, Carrick, and Lake Shastina. These communities generally have mailing addresses that use Weed or its ZIP Code. Weed is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Mount Shasta, a prominent northern California landmark, and the second tallest volcano in the Cascade Range.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Weed's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Siskiyou
Frequently asked questions
Is Weed, CA tap water safe to drink?
Weed's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #507 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Weed's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Weed'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 Weed?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Weed's water come from?
Weed's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,595 residents.
What health violations has Weed's water system had?
Weed has 12 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Weed's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Weed 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 30 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 Weed's water compare to other cities?
Weed ranks #507 out of 694 cities in California (better than 27% of state cities) and #10672 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.