B69/100
Bishop Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 8,984 residents · California
What's In Bishop's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 3, 2025Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Tribe
Population Served
2,735
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090600122
BISHOP, CITY OF
Population Served
3,819
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1410001
INDIAN CREEK CSD
Population Served
1,030
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1410005
HIGHLAND MOBILE HOME PARK
Population Served
1,400
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1410007
Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop Water
Is Bishop tap water safe to drink?
Bishop, California tap water receives a grade of B (69/100), which is considered good. Out of 31 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 Bishop's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Bishop'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 Bishop have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bishop has 87 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, Other. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bishop?
Bishop 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 Bishop's tap water come from?
Bishop's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,984 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Bishop'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. Bishop'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 Bishop's water compare to other cities in California?
Bishop's water quality score of 69/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bishop's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bishop'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 (Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Tribe) 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.