Is Oakhurst, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47.5/100
waterverge.com Oakhurst, CA — Water Quality Report
Oakhurst's drinking water received a grade of D (47.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,582 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 383 violations on record, including 198 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakhurst's water
Oakhurst ranks #625 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Oakhurst 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, Oakhurst may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 59 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakhurst, CA water safe to drink?
Oakhurst's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,582 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oakhurst
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakhurst's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.5/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakhurst's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oakhurst's water system has 383 total violations on record, including 198 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 59 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madera 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.
Where does Oakhurst's water come from?
Oakhurst's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,582 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oakhurst residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakhurst'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.
Oakhurst'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
Madera 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.
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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakhurst compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakhurst ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakhurst's water comes from
Oakhurst 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 Oakhurst'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,582 people through 10 water systems.
Water systems serving Oakhurst
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROADVIEW TERRACE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA2000521 | 498 | GWP |
| BASS LAKE HEIGHTS MUTUAL WATER | CA2000502 | 250 | GW |
| SKY ACRES MUTUAL WATER CORP | CA2000524 | 175 | GW |
| CEDAR VALLEY MUTUAL WATER CO | CA2000538 | 137 | GW |
| SUGAR PINE HOMEOWNERS ASSOC | CA2000533 | 120 | GW |
| YOSEMITE FORKS EST MUTUAL | CA2000527 | 110 | GW |
| ECCO | CA2000688 | 100 | GW |
| CRASS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA2000530 | 80 | GW |
| PIKE RANCH MUTUAL WATER CO | CA2000526 | 74 | GW |
| WHISPERING PINES MHP | CA2000605 | 38 | GW |
How Oakhurst compares
Full California rankings →Oakhurst's score of 47.5/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Oakhurst, CA
Wikipedia →Oakhurst is a census-designated place (CDP) in Madera County, California, United States. It lies in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 14 miles (23 km) south of the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, at the junction of Highway 41 and Highway 49. Oakhurst is at the southern edge of California’s Gold Country and had a population of 5,945 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakhurst's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madera
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakhurst, CA tap water safe to drink?
Oakhurst's water quality earned a grade of D (47.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #625 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Oakhurst's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 383 violations are on record.
How is Oakhurst'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 Oakhurst?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakhurst's water come from?
Oakhurst's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,582 residents.
What health violations has Oakhurst's water system had?
Oakhurst has 198 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oakhurst's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oakhurst 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 383 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 Oakhurst's water compare to other cities?
Oakhurst ranks #625 out of 694 cities in California (better than 10% of state cities) and #13604 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.