Water Quality in Forest Falls, CA: 9 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Forest Falls's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Forest Falls, CA shows 9 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Forest Falls
Water quality varies across Forest Falls's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92339 | D | 45 | 9 | 2 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Forest Falls, California receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Forest Falls have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,452 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Forest Falls's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Forest Falls water systems is 0.0230 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Forest Falls has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Forest Falls is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Forest Falls
Forest Falls is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,452 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest Falls. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Forest Falls
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Forest Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Forest Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Forest Falls. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-11 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-07-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-22 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-08-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-01 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-11.
Forest Falls vs. Nearby California Cities
How Forest Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Falls | D | 9 | 2 | 1,452 |
| Los Molinos | B | 0 | 1 | 1,450 |
| Inverness | A | 1 | 1 | 1,445 |
| Marshall | B | 0 | 1 | 1,445 |
Common Questions About Forest Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Forest Falls, California:
Is Forest Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Forest Falls's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Forest Falls tap water? Forest Falls's water receives a grade of D (45/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Forest Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Forest Falls vs. California Average
Understanding how Forest Falls compares to the broader California average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Forest Falls.
ZIP Codes in Forest Falls
Forest Falls spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 92339. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.