Is Riverdale, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Riverdale, CA — Water Quality Report
Riverdale's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,836 residents using groundwater.
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 107 violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riverdale's water
Riverdale ranks #342 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Riverdale 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, Riverdale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riverdale, CA water safe to drink?
Riverdale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,836 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Riverdale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riverdale's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Riverdale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riverdale's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Nf Kings R A 24Th Ave Br Nr Lemoore.
Where does Riverdale's water come from?
Riverdale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,836 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Kings R A 24Th Ave Br Nr Lemoore (river).
What Riverdale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riverdale'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.
Riverdale'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 Riverdale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Riverdale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEPRINO FOODS CO LEMOORE, CA93245 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
LEPRINO FOODS CO LEMOORE, CA93245 | — | — | 9.6 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.
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 Riverdale compares by contaminant
Explore where Riverdale ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riverdale's water comes from
Riverdale'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,836 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Riverdale
Riverdale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Riverdale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVERDALE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | CA1010028 | 2,756 | GW |
| TERRA LINDA FARMS | CA1009222 | 80 | SW |
How Riverdale compares
Full California rankings →Riverdale's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Riverdale, CA
Wikipedia →Riverdale is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fresno County, California, United States. Its population was 3,477 at the 2020 census, up from 3,153 at the 2010 census. Riverdale is located 23 miles (37 km) south of Fresno, at an elevation of 223 ft (68 m) above mean sea level.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riverdale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fresno
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverdale, CA tap water safe to drink?
Riverdale's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #342 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Riverdale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Riverdale'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 Riverdale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riverdale's water come from?
Riverdale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,836 residents.
What health violations has Riverdale's water system had?
Riverdale has 69 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Riverdale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Riverdale 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 107 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 Riverdale's water compare to other cities?
Riverdale ranks #342 out of 694 cities in California (better than 51% of state cities) and #7304 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.