Is Waterford, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Waterford ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Waterford, CA — Water Quality Report
Waterford's drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,079 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.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Waterford's water
Waterford ranks #15 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Waterford 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, Waterford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Waterford has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waterford, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Waterford's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,079 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waterford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waterford's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waterford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Stanislaus County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Stanislaus R A Oakdale.
Where does Waterford's water come from?
Waterford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,079 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Stanislaus R A Oakdale (river).
What Waterford residents can do
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.
Waterford'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Waterford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waterford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FRITO LAY INC. MODESTO, CA95357 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
NESTLE USA INC MODESTO, CA95357 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
PACIFIC STAR CHEMICAL LLC D.B.A. NORTHSTAR CHEMICAL MODESTO, CA95357 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
SONOCO METAL PACKAGING LLC OAKDALE, CA95361 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CONAGRA FOODS PACKAGED FOODS LLC. OAKDALE, CA95361 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Stanislaus County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Waterford compares by contaminant
Explore where Waterford ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waterford's water comes from
Waterford'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 1,079 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Waterford
Waterford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waterford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATERFORD-RIVER POINTE | CA5010042 | 1,079 | GW |
How Waterford compares
Full California rankings →Waterford's score of 97/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Waterford, CA
Wikipedia →Waterford is the eighth largest city in Stanislaus County, California, United States. The population was 9,120 at the 2020 census, up from 8,456 as of the 2010 census. Waterford is part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waterford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stanislaus
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterford, CA tap water safe to drink?
Waterford's water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Waterford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Waterford'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 Waterford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waterford's water come from?
Waterford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,079 residents.
Is Waterford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waterford uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Waterford's water compare to other cities?
Waterford ranks #15 out of 694 cities in California (better than 98% of state cities) and #109 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Waterford's small water system affect quality?
Waterford's system serves approximately 1,079 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 maintained a clean compliance record.