Is Friant, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Friant, CA — Water Quality Report
Friant's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,046 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 31 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Friant's water
Friant ranks #251 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Friant may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Friant, CA water safe to drink?
Friant's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,046 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Friant
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Friant's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Friant's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Friant's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fresno County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include San Joaquin R Bl Friant.
Where does Friant's water come from?
Friant's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,046 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Joaquin R Bl Friant (river).
What Friant residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Friant'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Friant'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 Friant
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Friant, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CEMEX FRIANT FRIANT, CA93626 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fresno County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Friant's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Friant compares by contaminant
Explore where Friant ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Friant's water comes from
Friant'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 1,046 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Friant
Friant is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Friant
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCWWD 18/FRIANT | CA1010051 | 772 | SW |
| FCWWD 18/MIRA BELLA | CA1010062 | 274 | GW |
How Friant compares
Full California rankings →Friant's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Friant, CA
Wikipedia →Friant is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fresno County, California, United States. The population was 446 at the 2020 census, down from 549 at the 2010 census. Friant is located 11.5 miles (19 km) north of Clovis, at an elevation of 344 feet.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Friant's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fresno
Frequently asked questions
Is Friant, CA tap water safe to drink?
Friant's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #251 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Friant's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Friant'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 Friant?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Friant's water come from?
Friant's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,046 residents.
What health violations has Friant's water system had?
Friant has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Friant's water compare to other cities?
Friant ranks #251 out of 694 cities in California (better than 64% of state cities) and #5042 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.