Is Tule River Reservation, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Tule River Reservation, CA — Water Quality Report
Tule River Reservation's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,560 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 508 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tule River Reservation's water
Tule River Reservation ranks #628 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.
As a small community water system, Tule River Reservation may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tule River Reservation, CA water safe to drink?
Tule River Reservation's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,560 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Tule River Reservation
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tule River Reservation's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Public Notice.
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 Tule River Reservation's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tule River Reservation's water system has 508 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 42 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 Tule River Reservation's water come from?
Tule River Reservation's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,560 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 Tule River Reservation residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tule River Reservation'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Tule River Reservation'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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tule River Reservation compares by contaminant
Explore where Tule River Reservation ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tule River Reservation's water comes from
Tule River Reservation'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,560 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tule River Reservation
Tule River Reservation 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 Tule River Reservation
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tule River Reservation Main | 090600156 | 2,560 | SW |
How Tule River Reservation compares
Full California rankings →Tule River Reservation's score of 47/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Tule River Reservation, CA
Wikipedia →Porterville is a city at the base of Southern Sierra Nevada mountains on the eastern side of San Joaquin Valley, in Tulare County, California, United States. It is part of the Visalia-Porterville metropolitan statistical area. Serving as the economic hub of the Southern Sierra, the Sequoia National Forest is nearby, offering outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Since its incorporation in 1902, the city's population has grown as it annexed nearby unincorporated areas. The city population was 62,623 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tule River Reservation's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tule River Reservation, CA tap water safe to drink?
Tule River Reservation's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #628 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Tule River Reservation's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 508 violations are on record.
How is Tule River Reservation'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 Tule River Reservation?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tule River Reservation's water come from?
Tule River Reservation's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,560 residents.
What health violations has Tule River Reservation's water system had?
Tule River Reservation has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Tule River Reservation's water compare to other cities?
Tule River Reservation ranks #628 out of 694 cities in California (better than 10% of state cities) and #13735 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tule River Reservation's small water system affect quality?
Tule River Reservation's system serves approximately 2,560 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 508 violations on record.