Is Independence, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.9/100
waterverge.com Independence, CA — Water Quality Report
Independence's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,943 residents using purchased ground 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 25 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Independence's water
Independence ranks #541 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Independence purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Independence may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Independence, CA water safe to drink?
Independence's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,943 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Independence
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Independence's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.9/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Independence's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Independence's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 19 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 Independence's water come from?
Independence's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,943 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Independence residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Independence'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.
Independence'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Independence compares by contaminant
Explore where Independence ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Independence's water comes from
Independence purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Independence's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,943 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Independence
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INYO COUNTY PWD - LONE PINE | CA1410009 | 1,835 | GWP |
| INYO COUNTY PWD - INDEPENDENCE | CA1410008 | 1,108 | GWP |
How Independence compares
Full California rankings →Independence's score of 65.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Independence, CA
Wikipedia →Independence is an unincorporated census-designated place in and the county seat of Inyo County, California. Independence is located 41 miles (66 km) south-southeast of Bishop, at an elevation of 3930 feet. The population of this census-designated place was 593 at the 2020 census, down from 669 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Independence's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Inyo
Frequently asked questions
Is Independence, CA tap water safe to drink?
Independence's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #541 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Independence's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Independence'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 Independence?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Independence's water come from?
Independence's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,943 residents.
What health violations has Independence's water system had?
Independence has 3 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Independence's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Independence 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 25 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 Independence's water compare to other cities?
Independence ranks #541 out of 694 cities in California (better than 22% of state cities) and #11448 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.