Is Kettleman City, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.6/100
waterverge.com Kettleman City, CA — Water Quality Report
Kettleman City's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,242 residents using 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 70 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kettleman City's water
Kettleman City ranks #523 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Kettleman City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kettleman City, CA water safe to drink?
Kettleman City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C+ (68.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,242 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kettleman City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kettleman City's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kettleman City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kettleman City's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kings County has experienced 9 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.
Where does Kettleman City's water come from?
Kettleman City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,242 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kettleman City 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.
Kettleman City'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 Kettleman City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kettleman City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT INC KETTLEMAN CITY, CA93239 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kings County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Kettleman City compares by contaminant
Explore where Kettleman City ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kettleman City's water comes from
Kettleman City'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 1,242 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kettleman City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KETTLEMAN CITY CSD | CA1610009 | 1,242 | SW |
How Kettleman City compares
Full California rankings →Kettleman City's score of 68.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Kettleman City, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kettleman City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kings
Frequently asked questions
Is Kettleman City, CA tap water safe to drink?
Kettleman City's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #523 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Kettleman City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Kettleman City'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 Kettleman City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kettleman City's water come from?
Kettleman City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,242 residents.
What health violations has Kettleman City's water system had?
Kettleman City has 58 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kettleman City's water compare to other cities?
Kettleman City ranks #523 out of 694 cities in California (better than 25% of state cities) and #11053 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kettleman City's small water system affect quality?
Kettleman City's system serves approximately 1,242 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 70 violations on record.