Is Strathmore, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.7/100
waterverge.com Strathmore, CA — Water Quality Report
Strathmore's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,424 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 171 violations on record, including 118 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Strathmore's water
Strathmore ranks #594 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.
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 Strathmore, CA water safe to drink?
Strathmore's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,424 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Strathmore
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Strathmore's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Strathmore's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Strathmore's water system has 171 total violations on record, including 118 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tulare County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Deer C A Road 272 Bridge Nr Porterville.
Where does Strathmore's water come from?
Strathmore's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,424 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Deer C A Road 272 Bridge Nr Porterville (river).
What Strathmore residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Strathmore'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.
Strathmore'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 Strathmore
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Strathmore, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MCWANE PLANT & INDUSTRIAL EXETER, CA93221 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
QUIKRETE - PORTERVILLE CA PLANT PORTERVILLE, CA93257 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tulare County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Strathmore compares by contaminant
Explore where Strathmore ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Strathmore's water comes from
Strathmore'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 3,424 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Strathmore
Strathmore is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Strathmore
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATHMORE PUBLIC UTIL DIST | CA5410012 | 2,669 | SW |
| PLAINVIEW MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA5410039 | 617 | GW |
| PLAINVIEW MWC - CENTRAL WATER | CA5400682 | 138 | GW |
How Strathmore compares
Full California rankings →Strathmore's score of 52.7/100 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 →About Strathmore, CA
Wikipedia →Strathmore is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tulare County, California, United States. The population was 2,830 at the 2020 census, up from 2,819 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Strathmore's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tulare
Frequently asked questions
Is Strathmore, CA tap water safe to drink?
Strathmore's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #594 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Strathmore's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 171 violations are on record.
How is Strathmore'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 Strathmore?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Strathmore's water come from?
Strathmore's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,424 residents.
What health violations has Strathmore's water system had?
Strathmore has 118 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Strathmore's water compare to other cities?
Strathmore ranks #594 out of 694 cities in California (better than 14% of state cities) and #12747 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.