Is Westwood, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Westwood ranks. What to do next ↓
94.8/100
waterverge.com Westwood, CA — Water Quality Report
Westwood's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,062 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 18 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Westwood's water
Westwood ranks #41 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Westwood 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, Westwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Westwood, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Westwood's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,062 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Westwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Westwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Westwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Westwood's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Los Angeles County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Los Angeles R A Sepulveda Dam.
Where does Westwood's water come from?
Westwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,062 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Los Angeles R A Sepulveda Dam (river).
What Westwood residents can do
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.
Westwood'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 droughtLassen 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
Los Angeles County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Westwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Westwood ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Westwood's water comes from
Westwood'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 2,062 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Westwood
Westwood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Westwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTWOOD C.S.D. | CA1810002 | 1,662 | GW |
| CLEAR CREEK CSD-WESTWOOD | CA1800512 | 400 | GW |
How Westwood compares
Full California rankings →Westwood's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Westwood, CA
Wikipedia →Westwood is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lassen County, California, United States. Westwood is located 20 miles (32 km) west-southwest of Susanville, at an elevation of 5,128 feet. Its population is 1,541 as of the 2020 census, down from 1,647 from the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Westwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lassen
Frequently asked questions
Is Westwood, CA tap water safe to drink?
Westwood's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Westwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Westwood'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 Westwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Westwood's water come from?
Westwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,062 residents.
What health violations has Westwood's water system had?
Westwood has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Westwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Westwood 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 18 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 Westwood's water compare to other cities?
Westwood ranks #41 out of 694 cities in California (better than 94% of state cities) and #425 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.