Is Boron, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com Boron, CA — Water Quality Report
Boron's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,054 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 90 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Boron's water
Boron ranks #357 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Boron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Boron, CA water safe to drink?
Boron's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,054 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Boron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boron's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
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: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Boron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Boron's water system has 90 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kern County has experienced 10 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 Boron's water come from?
Boron's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,054 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Boron residents can do
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.
Boron'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
Kern County has experienced 10 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Boron compares by contaminant
Explore where Boron ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boron's water comes from
Boron's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,054 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Boron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BORON CSD | CA1510002 | 2,086 | SWP |
| DESERT LAKE COMM SERV DIST | CA1510027 | 968 | SWP |
How Boron compares
Full California rankings →Boron's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Boron, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kern
Frequently asked questions
Is Boron, CA tap water safe to drink?
Boron's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #357 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Boron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 90 violations are on record.
How is Boron'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 Boron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boron's water come from?
Boron's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,054 residents.
What health violations has Boron's water system had?
Boron has 60 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Boron's water compare to other cities?
Boron ranks #357 out of 694 cities in California (better than 49% of state cities) and #7712 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.