June 14, 2026

Red Bluff, CA Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 10 regulated contaminants in this water system, including 1 that averaged above a federal limit: Nitrate + nitrite, Arsenic, Nitrate + 7 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
Nitrate + nitrite 600000 ppb 1000000 ppb 10000 ppb 6001% — above
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 2.62 ppb 5 ppb 10 ppb 26%
Nitrate 1190 ppb 2600 ppb 10000 ppb 12%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 1.17 ppb 1.6 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 8%
Chromium (total) 4.79 ppb 7 ppb 100 ppb 5%
Barium 55.1 ppb 76.1 ppb 2000 ppb 3%
Fluoride 100 ppb 100 ppb 4000 ppb 2%
Selenium 1 ppb 1 ppb 50 ppb 2%
Copper 7 ppb 10 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 1%
Mercury (inorganic) 0.0208 ppb 0.03 ppb 2 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Antimony, Benzene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Dichloromethane, Ethylbenzene, Nitrite, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: City Of Red Bluff
Population Served: 14,710 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Red Bluff, California drinking water is supplied by City Of Red Bluff. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Coliform (Tcr) 2012-2013 Whole House Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFPeA 0.0067 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOA 0.0074 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHpA 0.0055 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHxA 0.0060 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Red Bluff Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Red Bluff Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all California addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Bluff tap water safe to drink?

City Of Red Bluff is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Red Bluff water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Red Bluff?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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