Is Exeter, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Vanadium and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com Exeter, CA — Water Quality Report
Exeter's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 11,787 residents using groundwater.
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 72 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Exeter's water
Exeter ranks #431 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Exeter 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 2.50 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Exeter, CA water safe to drink?
Exeter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 11,787 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Exeter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Exeter's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Exeter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Exeter's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tulare 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 Exeter's water come from?
Exeter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 11,787 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Exeter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Exeter'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.
Exeter'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 Exeter
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Exeter, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMEX FARMERSVILLE PLANT FARMERSVILLE, CA93223 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
MCWANE PLANT & INDUSTRIAL EXETER, CA93221 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
ACTUS NUTRITION - VISALIA VISALIA, CA93291 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tulare 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Exeter compares by contaminant
Explore where Exeter ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Exeter's water comes from
Exeter'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 11,787 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Exeter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXETER, CITY OF | CA5410003 | 11,169 | GW |
| TOOLEVILLE MUTUAL NON PROFIT WATER ASSN | CA5400567 | 340 | GW |
| BADGER HILL ESTATES | CA5400710 | 278 | GW |
How Exeter compares
Full California rankings →Exeter's score of 76.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Exeter, CA
Wikipedia →Exeter is a city in Tulare County, California, United States. It is situated in the San Joaquin Valley near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The population was 10,321 at the 2020 census, down from 10,334 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Exeter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tulare
Frequently asked questions
Is Exeter, CA tap water safe to drink?
Exeter's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #431 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Exeter's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Exeter'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 Exeter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Exeter's water come from?
Exeter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 11,787 residents.
What health violations has Exeter's water system had?
Exeter has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Exeter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Exeter 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 72 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 Exeter's water compare to other cities?
Exeter ranks #431 out of 694 cities in California (better than 38% of state cities) and #9204 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.