Is Buttonwillow, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Buttonwillow, CA — Water Quality Report
Buttonwillow's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,534 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 36 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buttonwillow's water
Buttonwillow ranks #107 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Buttonwillow 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, Buttonwillow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buttonwillow, CA water safe to drink?
Buttonwillow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,534 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buttonwillow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buttonwillow's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
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: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buttonwillow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buttonwillow's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 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 Buttonwillow's water come from?
Buttonwillow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,534 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Buttonwillow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buttonwillow'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.
Buttonwillow'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Buttonwillow
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buttonwillow, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEAN HARBORS BUTTONWILLOW LLC BUTTONWILLOW, CA93206 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
J.G. BOSWELL CO - KERN TOMATO BUTTONWILLOW, CA93206 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
FRITO LAY INC. BAKERSFIELD, CA93314 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buttonwillow compares by contaminant
Explore where Buttonwillow ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buttonwillow's water comes from
Buttonwillow'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,534 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Buttonwillow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTTONWILLOW CWD | CA1510011 | 1,508 | GW |
| MIRASOL COMPANY WATER SYSTEM | CA1500152 | 26 | GW |
How Buttonwillow compares
Full California rankings →Buttonwillow's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Buttonwillow, CA
Wikipedia →Buttonwillow is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. Buttonwillow is 26 miles (42 km) west of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 269 feet (82 m). The population was 1,337 at the 2020 census, down from 1,508 at the 2010 census. The center of population of California is located in Buttonwillow.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buttonwillow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kern
Frequently asked questions
Is Buttonwillow, CA tap water safe to drink?
Buttonwillow's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #107 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Buttonwillow's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Buttonwillow'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 Buttonwillow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buttonwillow's water come from?
Buttonwillow's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,534 residents.
What health violations has Buttonwillow's water system had?
Buttonwillow has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buttonwillow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buttonwillow 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 36 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 Buttonwillow's water compare to other cities?
Buttonwillow ranks #107 out of 694 cities in California (better than 85% of state cities) and #1664 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.