What is a Fill Station?

A water fill station is a prefabricated vending machine or kiosk that dispenses drinking water at no cost to the user. The source water is provided from a municipal water supply that meets or has been treated to meets federal and state regulations.

The Coalition is currently working to install three water fill stations throughout the Tule Subbasin in the communities of Terra Bella, Pixley, and Poplar.

The Terra Bella fill station will be available for public use in November of 2020 and is located on the corner of Avenue 96 and Road 236, just south of the US Post Office.

The Coalition is actively working to bring a fill station to the Community of Pixley in the late part of 2020 beginning of 2021. Continue to check this website for updates on the completion of the Pixley water fill station

The Coalition is actively working to bring a fill station to the Community of Poplar in the late part of 2020 beginning of 2021. Continue to check this website for updates on the completion of the Poplar water fill station.

WHAT is cost to use the water fill station?

No cost (free) to the user.

WHAT SIZE CONTAINERS CAN I USE IN THE WATER FILL STATION?

Containers must be 5 gallons or less. However, there is no limit on the number of containers you may fill

Other helpful tips to keep water safe for drinking

HOW DO I CLEAN AND SANITIZE WATER CONTAINERS FOR USE IN THE WATER FILL STATION?

For your safety, use only clean containers intended for drinking water. Containers used for milk, juice or any other substance should not be used for water intended for human consumption.
Follow the steps below to clean and sanitize water storage containers prior to filling with drinking water:

1. Wash the storage container and rinse completely with water.
2. Sanitize a 5-gallon container with a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
3. Cover the container tightly and shake it well. Make sure the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
5. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with already available clean, safe water.
6. Dispense clean water into the sanitized container and cover with a tight lid.

HOW DO I STORE CLEAN DRINKING WATER OBTAIN FROM THE WATER FILL STATION?

1. Ensure the water container is covered with a tight lid.
2. Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
3. Do not store water longer than three months.
4. Keep stored water in a cool dry place.
5. Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
6. Do not store water containers in areas where hazardous or unsanitary substances, such as gasoline, pesticides, or animals are present.

For residents within the vicinity of the Pixley and Poplar proposed fill stations, you may be eligible to have drinking water delivered to your home until the fill station near you is open for public use.

For those who are unable to physically access the water fill station, you may be eligible to have drinking water delivered to your home. Please contact the Coalition for further information.

How do I determine if I’m eligible for bottled water to be delivered to my home?

The following steps are necessary in order to be deemed eligible for bottled water delivered to your home:

1. You must print, complete and mail or email application to:

MAIL:

Tule Basin Water Quality Coalition
Attn: Fill Station
324 S. Santa Fe St., Suite A
Visalia, CA 93292

2. Upon receiving your application, the Coalition will contact to you to discuss the application and coordinate testing of your drinking water supply well.
3. You must have your drinking water well must test above drinking water standards for nitrates
   • You may obtain a sample container from the City of Porterville lab, fill with water from your tap within your house, and return to the City or Porterville Lab for analysis. The lab will provide instruction for properly obtaining a water sample from your tap.

City of Porterville Lab
1265 W. Grand Avenue,
Porterville, CA 93257

• Or, a representative from the Coalition will come to your home to collect a water sample from your tap.

4. Once analysis is completed, residence will receive a copy of the results and if the nitrate levels are found to be above drinking water standards, the Coalition will coordinate delivery of bottled water to your home or a point of use filtration system to be installed in your home.

For additional information please contact the Coalition.