Water Quality in Big Bar, CA: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-07-18
Big Bar's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Not one violation appears in CA's EPA file for Big Bar - 1 monitored system, all clear.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Big Bar
Big Bar is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96010 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Big Bar, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Big Bar. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Big Bar's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Big Bar is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Big Bar 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.
Water Systems Serving Big Bar
Big Bar is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 119 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Bar. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Big Bar
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Bar. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-09-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-28 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-10-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-10-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-04-30 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-09-24.
Big Bar vs. Nearby California Cities
How Big Bar's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bar | C | 0 | 1 | 119 |
| Flournoy | C | 0 | 1 | 117 |
| Lemon Cove | D | 20 | 1 | 123 |
| Mount Laguna | C | 0 | 1 | 123 |
Common Questions About Big Bar Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Big Bar, California:
Is Big Bar water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Big Bar's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Big Bar tap water? Big Bar's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Big Bar? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Big Bar vs. California Average
Understanding how Big Bar 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 Big Bar.
ZIP Codes in Big Bar
Big Bar spans 1 ZIP code. 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.