Is Sultana, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.4/100
waterverge.com Sultana, CA — Water Quality Report
Sultana's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,014 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 116 violations on record, including 73 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sultana's water
Sultana ranks #578 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sultana 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, Sultana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sultana, CA water safe to drink?
Sultana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,014 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sultana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sultana's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.4/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Sultana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sultana's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 73 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 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.
Where does Sultana's water come from?
Sultana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,014 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sultana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sultana'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.
Sultana'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
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 Sultana compares by contaminant
Explore where Sultana ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sultana's water comes from
Sultana'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 1,014 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sultana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULTANA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT | CA5400824 | 983 | GW |
| GLEANINGS FOR THE HUNGRY | CA5402047 | 31 | GW |
How Sultana compares
Full California rankings →Sultana's score of 57.4/100 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 Sultana, CA
Wikipedia →Sultana is a census-designated place in Tulare County, California, United States. Sultana is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east of Dinuba. Sultana has a post office with ZIP code 93666. The population was 779 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sultana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tulare
Frequently asked questions
Is Sultana, CA tap water safe to drink?
Sultana's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #578 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Sultana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Sultana'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 Sultana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sultana's water come from?
Sultana's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,014 residents.
What health violations has Sultana's water system had?
Sultana has 73 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sultana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sultana 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 116 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 Sultana's water compare to other cities?
Sultana ranks #578 out of 694 cities in California (better than 17% of state cities) and #12374 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.