Is Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, CA — Water Quality Report
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,735 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 77 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation ranks #374 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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, Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, CA water safe to drink?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,735 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 7 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 Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water come from?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,735 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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.
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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 Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation compares by contaminant
Explore where Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water comes from
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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 2,735 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Tribe | 090600122 | 2,735 | GW |
How Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation compares
Full California rankings →Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation, CA tap water safe to drink?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #374 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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 Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water come from?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,735 residents.
What health violations has Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water system had?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone 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 77 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 Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's water compare to other cities?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation ranks #374 out of 694 cities in California (better than 46% of state cities) and #8131 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's small water system affect quality?
Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Reservation's system serves approximately 2,735 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 77 violations on record.