Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company
EPA ID: CA1500209 · 143 people served · 1 ZIP code
Where compliant utilities carry no open actions, Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company shows 25 active EPA violations in the federal database for a service population of approximately 143.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 1 (2023) to 6 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company serves a community with a median household income of $39,844 and an estimated 2,415 residents across its service area. Approximately 74% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 67% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 1% of homes in Kern County, California rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Lead at 9 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Combined Radium at 15 pCi/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 5 pCi/L.
Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in California
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company (EPA ID: CA1500209) is a community water system in California that serves approximately 143 people from groundwater sources.
This system serves ZIP code 93285 in Wofford Heights.
Average Home Safety Score: C (58/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2025 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| April 1, 2025 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2025 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 1, 2024 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 1, 2024 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| April 1, 2024 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2024 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2024 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Barium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Lead | Health-based | Unresolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Combined Radium | Health-based | Unresolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 15 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 9 | Yes |
| Barium | Inorganic | 1 | Yes |
Health Risk Details
Lead (EPA limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level))
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults At-risk groups: infants, children under 6, pregnant women.
Removal methods: reverse osmosis, distillation, certified carbon block filter (NSF/ANSI 53). Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93285 | 0.0026 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
- 93285 — Wofford Heights
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company (CA1500209) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company water safe to drink?
Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company has recorded 25 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company serve?
Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company serves approximately 143 people across 1 ZIP code in California.
Where does Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Alta Sierra Mutual Water Company (EPA ID: CA1500209) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.