Is Nixon, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.9/100
waterverge.com Nixon, CA — Water Quality Report
Nixon's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 150 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nixon's water
Nixon ranks #580 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Nixon 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, Nixon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nixon, CA water safe to drink?
Nixon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nixon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nixon's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Nitrate.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nixon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nixon's water system has 150 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Nixon's water come from?
Nixon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Nixon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nixon'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nixon compares by contaminant
Explore where Nixon ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nixon's water comes from
Nixon'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Nixon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nixon | 093200168 | 800 | GW |
How Nixon compares
Full California rankings →Nixon's score of 56.9/100 is on par with the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nixon's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nixon, CA tap water safe to drink?
Nixon's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #580 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Nixon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 150 violations are on record.
How is Nixon'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 Nixon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nixon's water come from?
Nixon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Nixon's water system had?
Nixon has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nixon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nixon 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 150 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 Nixon's water compare to other cities?
Nixon ranks #580 out of 694 cities in California (better than 16% of state cities) and #12419 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nixon's small water system affect quality?
Nixon's system serves approximately 800 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 150 violations on record.