C48/100
Tulare Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 73,871 residents · California
What's In Tulare's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 220.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
vanadium | 71.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
TULARE, CITY OF
Population Served
72,131
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA5410015
WOODVILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DIST
Population Served
1,740
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA5410025
Frequently Asked Questions About Tulare Water
Is Tulare tap water safe to drink?
Tulare, California tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 22 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Tulare's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Tulare's water supply, the most notable include chlorate, vanadium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Tulare have any water quality violations?
Yes, Tulare has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MCL, MR. 19 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Tulare?
Tulare 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Tulare's tap water come from?
Tulare's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by TULARE, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 73,871 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Tulare'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. Tulare'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 Tulare's water compare to other cities in California?
Tulare's water quality score of 48/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Tulare's water quality?
If you have concerns about Tulare'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 (TULARE, CITY OF) 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.