Is Willow Creek, 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 ↓
76.9/100
waterverge.com Willow Creek, CA — Water Quality Report
Willow Creek's drinking water received a grade of B (76.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,298 residents using ground water under influence.
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 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willow Creek's water
Willow Creek ranks #427 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Willow Creek 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, Willow Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willow Creek, CA water safe to drink?
Willow Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,298 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Willow Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willow Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willow Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Willow Creek's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Humboldt County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 A Hoopa.
Where does Willow Creek's water come from?
Willow Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,298 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Trinity R A Hoopa (river).
What Willow Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willow Creek'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.
Willow Creek'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
Humboldt County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Willow Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Willow Creek ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willow Creek's water comes from
Willow Creek'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 1,298 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Willow Creek
Willow Creek is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Willow Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLOW CREEK C.S.D. | CA1210015 | 1,298 | GU |
How Willow Creek compares
Full California rankings →Willow Creek's score of 76.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Willow Creek, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willow Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Humboldt
Frequently asked questions
Is Willow Creek, CA tap water safe to drink?
Willow Creek's water quality earned a grade of B (76.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #427 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Willow Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Willow Creek'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 Willow Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Willow Creek's water come from?
Willow Creek's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,298 residents.
What health violations has Willow Creek's water system had?
Willow Creek has 3 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Willow Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Willow Creek 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 5 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 Willow Creek's water compare to other cities?
Willow Creek ranks #427 out of 694 cities in California (better than 38% of state cities) and #9158 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Willow Creek's small water system affect quality?
Willow Creek's system serves approximately 1,298 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 5 violations on record.