Is Shaver Lake, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Shaver Lake, CA — Water Quality Report
Shaver Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shaver Lake's water
Shaver Lake ranks #347 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Shaver Lake 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, Shaver Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shaver Lake, CA water safe to drink?
Shaver Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shaver Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shaver Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shaver Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Shaver Lake's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 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.
Where does Shaver Lake's water come from?
Shaver Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Shaver Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shaver Lake'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.
Shaver Lake'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Shaver Lake's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shaver Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Shaver Lake ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shaver Lake's water comes from
Shaver Lake'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Shaver Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIERRA CEDARS CSD | CA1010052 | 850 | GW |
How Shaver Lake compares
Full California rankings →Shaver Lake's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Shaver Lake, CA
Wikipedia →Shaver Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fresno County, California, United States. The population was 580 at the 2020 census, down from 634 at the 2010 census. Shaver Lake is on the southwest end of the lake of the same name, 10 miles (16 km) east of New Auberry, at an elevation of 5,627 ft (1,715 m). The name honors C.B. Shaver, founder of the Fresno Flume and Irrigation Company that built the dam, creating the lake. The lake served as a mill pond for the Shaver Sawmill and the source for a flume that ran 65 miles (105 km) to Clovis. The original town of Shaver was inundated when the Thomas A. Edison Company purchased and enlarged the lake in 1919.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shaver Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fresno
Frequently asked questions
Is Shaver Lake, CA tap water safe to drink?
Shaver Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #347 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Shaver Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Shaver Lake'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 Shaver Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shaver Lake's water come from?
Shaver Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
Is Shaver Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shaver Lake 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 15 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 Shaver Lake's water compare to other cities?
Shaver Lake ranks #347 out of 694 cities in California (better than 50% of state cities) and #7411 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shaver Lake's small water system affect quality?
Shaver Lake's system serves approximately 850 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 15 violations on record.