Water Quality in Kettleman City, CA: 9 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Kettleman City's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Kettleman City, CA document 9 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Kettleman City
Water quality varies across Kettleman City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93239 | D | 51 | 9 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Kettleman City.
Water Quality Overview
Kettleman City, California receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Kettleman City have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,242 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Kettleman City'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 Kettleman City water systems is 0.0094 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 42% of homes built before 1986, Kettleman City 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 Kettleman City
Kettleman City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,242 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 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Kettleman City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Kettleman City
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 Kettleman City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Kettleman City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Kettleman City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Kettleman City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-10-20 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-10-20.
Kettleman City vs. Nearby California Cities
How Kettleman City's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kettleman City | D | 9 | 1 | 1,242 |
| Montague | A | 2 | 1 | 1,264 |
| Bethel Island | B | 2 | 5 | 1,207 |
| Redway | A | 1 | 1 | 1,207 |
Common Questions About Kettleman City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Kettleman City, California:
Is Kettleman City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Kettleman City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Kettleman City tap water? Kettleman City's water receives a grade of D (51/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Kettleman City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Kettleman City vs. California Average
Understanding how Kettleman City 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 Kettleman City.
ZIP Codes in Kettleman City
Kettleman City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93239. 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.