A99/100
Crescent City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 19,832 residents · California
What's In Crescent City's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
This system has a clean compliance history.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
Population Served
17,262
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA0810001
BERTSCH OCEAN VIEW CSD
Population Served
2,570
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
CA0810003
Frequently Asked Questions About Crescent City Water
Is Crescent City tap water safe to drink?
Crescent City, California tap water receives a grade of A (99/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Crescent City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Crescent City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Crescent City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Crescent City has 1 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1993. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Crescent City?
Crescent City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Crescent City's tap water come from?
Crescent City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF CRESCENT CITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 19,832 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Crescent City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Crescent City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Crescent City's water compare to other cities in California?
Crescent City's water quality score of 99/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Crescent City among the better-performing water systems in California. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Crescent City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Crescent City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CITY OF CRESCENT CITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.