We Want You to be Prepared
Water quality is a serious issue—especially here in the Central Valley where groundwater contamination is a known problem. Unfortunately, scammers have been known to take advantage of concerned residents by offering free and fake water tests, false contamination claims, or overpriced filtration systems.
While we have luckily not seen many reports of scams in our region, it can happen, and we want to help you stay informed and prepared. Here’s what to watch out for, how to protect yourself, and who you can trust when it comes to testing your private residential well.
Water Quality Testing Scams
Homeowners have reported door-to-door salespeople, mailers, and even phone calls from people claiming to offer free test kits or discounted water testing. These scammers often use fear-based tactics to pressure people into expensive filtration systems or unnecessary upgrades. In some cases, they may not test your water at all and falsify results.
COMMON TACTICS
“Free” test kits: that never return results or that ask for payment later. Kings Water Alliance, or other management zones, will never ask you for payment and offers all private residential well testing and water delivery for free because we are a locally-formed nonprofit responsible for local implementation of a state-run program called CV-SALTS to address nitrate contamination and safe drinking water.
Fake contamination claims: to scare you into buying overpriced filtration systems.
Unlicensed salespeople: who pretend to work with the state or water districts.
Aggressive sales tactics: at your door or over the phone. If you feel you are being rushed to make a decision, that should be a red flag.
Knowledge is Your Best Defense
Before you agree to any testing, take these steps:
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
- Are you affiliated with a local water agency or state-recognized program?
- Are you trained to conduct water quality testing?
- Can you provide documentation of your test method and lab results?
LOOK FOR RED FLAGS
- Vague or high-pressure sales pitches.
- “Act now” discounts or scare tactics. If you feel rushed or forced it is most likely a scam.
- No written estimate, contract, or application.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
- Contact a trusted source like a Management Zone for guidance. More about management zones below.
- Find the company’s website and call their number to see if they are who they say they are.
Who can you trust?
If you live in California’s Central Valley, support is already available through a state-mandated effort to improve groundwater quality. CV-SALTS (Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability) is working with local communities through Management Zones—regional partnerships that provide free water quality testing and safe drinking water solutions for residents who rely on private wells.
These are not sales programs. They are part of a state-approved plan to protect your health. These programs are here to help—at no cost to you if you’re eligible.
Each management zone has an organization such as the Kings Water Alliance for residents to contact about their drinking water. The Kings Water Alliance is the governing entity for the Kings Management Zone, encompassing the Kings and Tulare Lake groundwater subbasins.
Check out the interactive map for a more detailed look at the various management zones across the valley and which organization you can reach out to based on where you live. Or click one of the logos below to visit a specific management zones website.
Remember
If someone approaches you about water quality testing, take a moment to ask questions, verify their credentials, and don’t feel pressured to act immediately.
Remember the Management Zones are here to help you understand your water quality, provide trustworthy testing, and connect you with safe solutions, at no cost to you.
Still have questions? Reach out to us, or your local management zone because we are here to help you navigate the process of ensuring your private residential wells’ water is safe to drink.
