Fraud warning from Modesto: People trying to enter homes to test water

Modesto is warning residents about potential scams by individuals claiming to represent city water-quality staff. “The City of Modesto is NOT conducting in-home water quality tests,” reads a warning on the city’s Facebook page.

Since Tuesday, five incidents have been reported of people requesting access into residents’ homes to conduct water testing. The city wants residents to know that its water is safe and that if concerns do arise, residents should contact the Water Division by phone, at 209-342-2246.

Currently, city workers have not tracked the locations of the incidents, but if future incidents are reported, they will.

Similar incidents occurred in April 2024, when individuals who claimed to represent the city water quality staff asked for entry into residents’ homes.

Kings Water Alliance, which governs the Kings and Tulare Lake groundwater subbasins, offers resources for residents across the Central Valley who have come across water-testing scams. The alliance notes that scammers often use “fear-based” and “aggressive” sales tactics in an attempt to pressure residents into buying filtration systems that may be unnecessary.

“In some cases, they may not test your water at all and falsify results,” the alliance’s website says.

If approached, Kings Water Alliance recommends residents ask for proof of affiliation and training with a water agency, as well as documentation of tests and lab results.

While a reason for the potential scams is not yet clear to city staff, Modesto spokesperson Sonya Servero advises residents to report any future incidents.

“We really want to remind residents that the city of Modesto water is safe to drink, and the water meets and exceeds all state and federal standards,” Severo said. “If they [residents] feel like it’s an unsafe situation that is kind of evolving, they should contact their local law enforcement.”