A report released by the California State Water Resources Control Board has raised alarms about the quality of drinking water for nearly 1 million residents in the state. The annual report, published in June, identifies 385 public water systems that are currently failing, impacting primarily rural and disadvantaged communities.

These findings come as municipalities nationwide consider upgrading their water treatment systems to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. Although PFAS levels are not yet part of the state water board’s criteria, they are expected to be included within the next few years.

The criteria for assessing water systems also include E. coli violations and the ability to consistently provide adequate water despite drought conditions. According to the board, some communities with failing systems rely on bottled water, while others are under boil water advisories.

The report, which includes data up to January 1, 2024, shows that the number of affected residents has decreased to around 708,000 as some systems have improved. Despite these improvements, the majority of California’s residents, about 98%, receive water from systems that meet or exceed expectations.

"The State Water Board assesses public water systems that fail to meet the goals of the Human Right to Water and maintains a list and map of these systems on its website," the report stated. The board's list is updated daily as violations are issued, updated, or resolved.

The report highlights that the highest concentrations of failing systems are in central and southern California, particularly in Kern, Tulare, Fresno, and Madera counties. Over one-third of these failing systems have been on the list for at least seven years, and about two-thirds have been listed for more than three years. These systems are more likely to serve disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities. For water well drillers, this could mean a surplus of community projects in California to ensure water access needs are met. 

Addressing these issues is expected to cost around $11.5 billion. The board has proposed distributing approximately $855 million in financial assistance over the next year to fund projects aimed at improving drinking water in disadvantaged communities and addressing emerging contaminants.