Persistent Water Contamination Plagues Rural California Communities

Despite state efforts, over 735,000 residents still lack safe drinking water, with Latino farm areas hardest hit.

Nearly a million Californians gained safe drinking water in the last five years, but significant gaps remain.
More than 400 water systems in the state fail to meet safety standards, affecting over 735,000 people.
Latino farm communities face the brunt of contamination, including chemicals like arsenic, nitrate, and 1,2,3-TCP.
State funding programs have aided some areas, but many communities still await long-term solutions.
Ensuring safe drinking water statewide could cost around $16 billion; current funding falls short.