Fresno Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Fresno tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 101 ppm (5.9 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
5.9 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Fresno Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Fresno tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
10 contaminants were tested in Fresno's water. 10 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Metals — Arsenic is at 5.12 ppb — 51% of the EPA limit (10 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil that can dissolve into groundwater. According to the EPA and WHO, long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.
→ Reverse osmosis is the most effective home treatment for arsenic. Some activated alumina filters also work.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 3 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFOS at 1.82 ppt.
Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 8.7 ppb (11% of EPA limit).
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Uranium at 5.17 pCi/L (26% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Nitrate at 4.92 ppm (49% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 546K people in the Fresno area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Fresno 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - Table 4 Secondary Standards (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Fresno water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How Fresno Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
0 ppb
100% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
89 ppm
30% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is Fresno Water?
101 ppm
5.9 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 65–190 ppm
Based on 15 samples from City of Fresno 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - Table 4 Secondary Standards (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Fresno tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Fresno
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0 ppb
Fresno lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chlorine (Disinfectant)
33% of EPA limit
Range: 0.03–2 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
8.7 ppb Range: 0-22 System avg 8.7 ppb; range ND-22 ppb. Chlorine disinfection. Very low DBP levels. | 80 ppb | Safe 11% of limit | |
4.7 ppb Range: 0-11 System avg 4.7 ppb; range ND-11 ppb. Very low. | 60 ppb | Safe 8% of limit | |
Chlorine (Disinfectant) | 1.33 ppm Range: 0.03-2 System avg 1.33 ppm; range 0.03-2.0 ppm. Free chlorine disinfection. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 33% of limit |
5.12 ppb Range: 0-16 System avg 5.12 ppb; range ND-16 ppb. One well (Well 370) exceeded MCL 10 ppb and was removed from service. Natural volcanic/geological deposits in San Joaquin Valley. | 10 ppb 0 | Caution 51% of limit | |
4.92 ppm Range: 0-13 System avg 4.92 ppm; range 0-13 ppm. One well (Well 85, Herndon & Maple) had temporary result above MCL; subsequent sampling below MCL. Agricultural runoff in Central Valley. | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 49% of limit | |
1.39 ppt Range: 0-15 CA state monitoring 2024: system avg 1.39 ppt, max 15 ppt at individual wells. Avg below EPA MCL 4 ppt but max exceeds MCL. PFAS compliance required 2029. Wells with detections removed from service. Note: UCMR5 showed ND (only 4 samples). | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 35% of limit | |
1.82 ppt Range: 0-30 CA state monitoring 2024: system avg 1.82 ppt, max 30 ppt at individual wells. Max far exceeds EPA MCL 4 ppt. Affected wells removed from service. System-wide avg still below MCL. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 46% of limit | |
1.26 ppt Range: 0-31 CA state monitoring 2024: system avg 1.26 ppt, max 31 ppt. Max far exceeds EPA MCL 10 ppt at individual wells. System-wide avg below MCL. CA Notification Level 3 ppt. | 10 ppt | Safe 13% of limit | |
Carbon Tetrachloride | 0.02 ppb Range: 0-2.5 System avg 0.02 ppb (20 ng/L); max 2.5 ppb (2,500 ng/L) at Well 3A (removed from service Dec 2023 for exceeding MCL 0.5 ppb). Industrial contamination in Central Valley groundwater. | 0.5 ppb | Safe 4% of limit |
5.17 pCi/L Range: 3.9-6 System avg 5.17 pCi/L; range 3.9-6 pCi/L (2023). CA MCL 20 pCi/L. Naturally occurring from geological deposits. | 20 pCi/L | Safe 26% of limit |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Fresno's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF FRESNO
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA1010007
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
546K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fresno tap water quality
Nearby Cities in California
Los Angeles
Hard water
East Bay
Very Hard water
San Diego
Very Hard water
San Jose
Very Hard water
California
Hard water
Eastern Municipal Wd
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: City of Fresno 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - Table 4 Secondary Standards (2024) • View report