Tulare, CA: 16 Health Violations — 45/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
State safety rankings put Tulare, CA near the lower tier — below-average compliance on record.
How Tulare Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Tulare Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 20 violations in the past 5 years.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.22 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Tulare
Water delivery in Tulare, CA is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 5 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Tulare, California, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 79,154 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tulare: D (45/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Tulare water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Tulare
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 21 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93274 | D | 10 | 8 | City of Tulare, |
| 93275 | F | 10 | 8 | City of Tulare, |
All ZIP Codes in Tulare
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Tulare
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Tulare
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Tulare: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Tulare valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Tulare are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,950 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 59% below the California average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Tulare
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Tulare shows a moderate flood record — 7 claims and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Tulare has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $20,410 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Tulare
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead can reduce the most common contaminant found in Tulare's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Tulare, CA