Is Big Pine Reservation, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com Big Pine Reservation, CA — Water Quality Report
Big Pine Reservation's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 18 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Pine Reservation's water
Big Pine Reservation ranks #262 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Big Pine Reservation relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Big Pine Reservation may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Pine Reservation, CA water safe to drink?
Big Pine Reservation's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Pine Reservation
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Pine Reservation's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Nitrite, Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Pine Reservation's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Pine Reservation's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Inyo County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Big Pine Reservation's water come from?
Big Pine Reservation's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Big Pine Reservation residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Pine Reservation's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Big Pine Reservation's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Inyo County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Big Pine Reservation compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Pine Reservation ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Pine Reservation's water comes from
Big Pine Reservation's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 600 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Big Pine Reservation
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pine Paiute Band | 090600120 | 600 | GW |
How Big Pine Reservation compares
Full California rankings →Big Pine Reservation's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Big Pine Reservation, CA
Wikipedia →Big Pine is a census-designated place (CDP) in Inyo County, California, United States. Big Pine is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) south-southeast of Bishop. Its population was 1,875 at the 2020 census, up from 1,756 at the 2010 census. The Big Pine Band of Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Indians of the Big Pine Reservation bases their tribal headquarters there.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Pine Reservation's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Pine Reservation, CA tap water safe to drink?
Big Pine Reservation's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #262 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Big Pine Reservation's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Big Pine Reservation's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Big Pine Reservation?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Pine Reservation's water come from?
Big Pine Reservation's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Big Pine Reservation's water system had?
Big Pine Reservation has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Big Pine Reservation's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big Pine Reservation uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 18 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Big Pine Reservation's water compare to other cities?
Big Pine Reservation ranks #262 out of 694 cities in California (better than 62% of state cities) and #5360 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Big Pine Reservation's small water system affect quality?
Big Pine Reservation's system serves approximately 600 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 18 violations on record.