Greta Jimenez
Fresno, California, is a city of over half a million people and is a major hub for the region's agricultural industry. It has been ranked as one of the most polluted places in California and the United States. The city's air quality is affected by various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, agricultural activities, and wildfires. These factors contribute to high levels of particle pollution, ozone pollution, and water quality issues in the area. The pollution in Fresno has significant impacts on public health, including respiratory issues and childhood asthma, especially among children of farmworkers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | High levels of ozone, particle, and nitrogen dioxide pollution |
| Water pollution | Red-, brown-, or yellow-tinged water reported by residents in 2016 |
| Soil pollution | Agricultural waste burning, industrial waste, and pesticide use |
| Health issues | High rates of asthma and other respiratory issues, especially in children |
| Pollution sources | Vehicle emissions, industrial farming, tourism, and wildfires |
| Pollution hotspots | Eight of California's ten most polluted census tracts are in Fresno |
| Action plans | EPA and local initiatives to improve air quality and reduce pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Fresno has some of the US's worst air quality
Fresno, California, has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The Central Valley, where Fresno is located, has long been plagued by pollution, with agriculture, topography, and poverty thwarting efforts to improve air and water quality.
According to the American Lung Association's 2024 State of the Air report, Fresno County received failing grades for ozone, short-term particle pollution, and long-term particle pollution. The Fresno-Madera-Hanford region ranked as the second most polluted in short-term or daily particle pollution, third in year-round particle pollution, and fourth in most ozone-polluted cities. The area saw a greater than 40% annual increase in exposure to PM2.5 particles, which are released by vehicle emissions, industrial farming equipment, and dust and vapors from farming and pesticide use.
The geography of the Central Valley also traps pollutants in low elevations, exacerbating the problem. Wildfires, which have become more frequent and intense, further worsen air quality in Fresno, with smoke from fires in nearby areas blanketing the region and creating unhealthy air quality. In August 2020, major wildfires in Northern California caused Fresno's Air Quality Index (AQI) to rise to "very unhealthy" levels.
The high levels of air pollution in Fresno have significant health impacts on its residents. Ozone, a common air pollutant in the city, can irritate the airways and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. The pollution has also been linked to lost work and school days, impaired childhood development, and premature death.
Fresno's role as a major agricultural and industrial hub, as well as a tourist destination, contributes to the high levels of vehicle emissions and particle pollution from trucks, farming equipment, and other sources. The city's meat processing plants and rendering plants have also been identified as significant sources of air pollution.
While there have been some improvements in local air quality, Fresno continues to face significant challenges in reducing pollution and improving the health and well-being of its residents.
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Wildfires and vehicle emissions contribute to pollution
Fresno, California, is one of the most polluted cities in the United States. Located in the Central Valley, the city's air quality is affected by various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and agricultural activities. Wildfires and vehicle emissions are significant contributors to the city's pollution problem.
Vehicle emissions from commuters, tourists, and truck traffic play a substantial role in degrading Fresno's air quality. The city is a major hub for the region's agricultural industry, and its location at the intersection of several major state highways results in consistent and heavy vehicle traffic throughout the year. Nearly 1.5 million largely fuel-inefficient trucks pass through Fresno County annually, contributing to diesel and particle pollution. In addition, emissions from passenger vehicles and farming equipment result in high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Nox pollution, which are precursors to the formation of ozone, another prevalent pollutant in Fresno.
The impact of vehicle emissions on Fresno's air quality is exacerbated by the city's geography. The Central Valley's low elevations trap pollutants, particularly during the hot California summers when ozone levels tend to spike. This combination of high temperatures and elevated pollutant concentrations increases the likelihood of adverse health effects on residents, especially those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Wildfires also significantly contribute to Fresno's pollution. Smoke from wildfires throughout California often reaches the city, worsening its air quality. For example, in August 2020, major wildfires in Northern California caused Fresno's Air Quality Index (AQI) to rise to "Unhealthy" levels, peaking at 219 ("Very Unhealthy"). Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM) that can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, posing significant health risks to residents, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
The pollution from wildfires and vehicle emissions has severe consequences for the health and well-being of Fresno's residents. It is particularly detrimental to low-income communities and communities of color, who are often the most severely impacted by pollution sources such as diesel exhaust from trucks and particle emissions from wildfires. Efforts to improve air quality in Fresno and the surrounding areas are ongoing, but the city continues to face significant challenges in mitigating the effects of these pollution sources.
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Fresno's water supply has faced safety concerns
Fresno, California, is a city of over half a million people located in the Central Valley, about 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 180 miles south of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city's water supply comes from over 260 underground wells and the Fresno Sole Source Aquifer, as well as nearby lakes and mountain ranges.
The City of Fresno is committed to water conservation and protecting its water supply. The Water Conservation team ensures compliance with local and statewide regulations and offers various services, rebates, and outreach materials to educate customers. However, in July 2025, the Fresno Reservoir, a critical source of water for thousands of residents, reached critically low levels, raising concerns about drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation. Officials warned that if the situation did not improve, it could threaten the water supply for communities along the Milk River.
The low water levels in the Fresno Reservoir highlight the fragility of the irrigation system and the potential impact on the community's access to water for essential needs. Water restrictions have been implemented in some areas to conserve the remaining supply, and there are concerns about the quality of the water once the reservoir begins to refill.
While Fresno's water supply has faced safety concerns, the city is actively working to address these issues through conservation efforts and by ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. However, the situation with the Fresno Reservoir serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring a stable and safe water supply for the community.
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The area's agricultural industry impacts pollution levels
Fresno, California, is a city of over half a million people located in the heart of the Central Valley, a significant global agricultural trade hub. The area's agricultural industry significantly impacts pollution levels in Fresno, influencing both air and water quality.
Firstly, Fresno's role as a major agricultural hub contributes to vehicle emissions, which are a significant source of air pollution in the city. The consistent traffic of largely fuel-inefficient trucks, as well as farming equipment and passenger vehicles, results in high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Nox pollution. In addition, dust and vapors from farming practices, such as pesticide use, further add to the air pollution levels in the city.
Secondly, the agricultural industry's impact on the local water systems is notable. Fertilizers and manure from agricultural activities have leached into the groundwater, resulting in high levels of nitrate pollution in community water systems. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural Valley communities, where a history of racist policies has left a lack of proper water infrastructure.
The impact of the agricultural industry on pollution levels in Fresno is also evident in the health risks faced by residents. The concentrations of pollution in the area are above state and federal clean air standards, and the exposure to particulate matter and ozone pollution disproportionately affects low-income individuals and minority ethnic and racial groups, including agricultural laborers. The negative health consequences of long-term exposure to air pollution include respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancers, developmental disorders, and reproductive harm.
Furthermore, the geography of the Central Valley, where Fresno is located, plays a role in trapping pollutants in the low elevations. This, combined with the high heat of California summers, leads to the formation of ozone, a secondary pollutant that can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma.
While there have been efforts to improve air quality in the region, such as the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's program to replace older tractors with newer, less-emitting models, Fresno continues to face significant pollution challenges due to its agricultural and industrial activities.
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Fresno's pollution disproportionately affects communities of colour
Fresno, California, is one of the most polluted cities in the nation. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, it is a major hub for the region's agricultural industry and the confluence of several major state highways. Fresno's air quality is affected by vehicle emissions, factory emissions, farming operations, and geography that traps pollutants in the low elevations of the Central Valley. The city's role as a tourist destination and its proximity to mountain resorts also contribute to the poor air quality.
The effects of air pollution in Fresno disproportionately impact communities of colour, particularly Black and Hispanic residents in the San Joaquin Valley neighborhoods of West Fresno. These areas have been historically marginalized and redlined, with a lack of resources and services to mitigate health risks. Race and historic redlining maps are closely associated with which neighborhoods now rank high or low for the cumulative impacts of pollution and vulnerability. The California Environmental Protection Agency's CalEnviroScreen tool confirms that these communities are among the most overburdened in the state.
The high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particle pollution in Fresno have severe health consequences, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. A Northwestern University study found that premature deaths associated with NO2 exposure disproportionately affect people of color, with marginalized communities shouldering disproportionate health burdens related to poor air quality. The American Lung Association's 2023 State of the Air report further highlights that in counties with failing grades for all three pollution measures, 72% of residents affected are people of color.
The pollution and health disparities in Fresno are not limited to air quality issues. Water pollution concerns have also been raised, with some residents in Northeast Fresno reporting discolored water, sparking fears of unsafe drinking water similar to the Flint water crisis. While experts determined that the situation in Fresno did not reach the severity of Flint, affected residents filed a class-action lawsuit alleging harm due to exposure to toxic substances and the diminution of their property values.
The environmental and health injustices in Fresno's communities of color demand attention and action. While community leaders are working towards change, it is crucial to recognize the historical context of racial disparities and the ongoing struggle for equitable access to clean air and water.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fresno has some of the worst air quality in the United States.
The sources of pollution in Fresno, CA, include vehicle emissions, factory emissions from industry and farming operations, wildfires, and geography that traps pollutants in the low elevations of the Central Valley.
The health impacts of pollution in Fresno, CA, include increased asthma prevalence, respiratory issues, and premature death.
Efforts to improve air quality in Fresno, CA, include the replacement of older tractors with newer ones that emit fewer emissions and the implementation of incentive programs by the Air District.
Yes, there have been concerns about water pollution in Fresno, CA, with reports of discolored water that may contain lead and other toxic substances. However, experts have determined that the water complies with EPA pollution thresholds.
