Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Fresno School District (CA): 116 Health Violations

58 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · 31,651,528 people served · Updated 2026-06-03

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-03

B · 73
Avg Safety Score
58
ZIP Codes
10
Water Systems
290
Violations (5yr)
0.005 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
19
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Fresno School District in California spans 58 ZIP codes served by 10 community water systems, providing water to approximately 31,651,528 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (73/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 70/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 61% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.005 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.005 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 58 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 19 of 58 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFOS, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFPeS.

Highest measured level: 0.047 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

116 health-based violations recorded across 58 of 58 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 290 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 232 Yes 58
Contaminant 2414 Other 58 No 58

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
93650 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93701 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93702 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93703 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93704 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93705 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93706 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93707 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93708 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93709 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93710 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93711 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93712 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93714 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93715 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93716 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93717 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93718 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93720 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93721 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93722 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93723 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93724 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93725 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93726 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93727 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93728 Fresno B (70) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93729 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93730 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93737 Fresno B (75) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93740 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93741 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93744 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93745 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93747 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93750 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93755 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93760 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93761 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93764 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93765 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93771 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93772 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93773 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93774 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93775 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93776 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93777 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93778 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93779 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93786 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93790 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93791 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93792 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93793 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93794 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93844 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No
93888 Fresno B (73) 5 2 0.005 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Fresno School District schools?

Water systems serving Fresno School District have recorded 116 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Fresno School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Fresno School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 19 of 58 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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