B76/100
Carpinteria Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,996 residents · California
What's In Carpinteria's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 380.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CARPINTERIA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
15,996
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA4210001
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpinteria Water
Is Carpinteria tap water safe to drink?
Carpinteria, California tap water receives a grade of B (76/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Carpinteria's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Carpinteria's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Carpinteria have any water quality violations?
Yes, Carpinteria has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2013. Violation types include MCL, MR. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Carpinteria?
Carpinteria water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Carpinteria's tap water come from?
Carpinteria's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CARPINTERIA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 15,996 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Carpinteria's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Carpinteria's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Carpinteria's water compare to other cities in California?
Carpinteria's water quality score of 76/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Carpinteria's water quality?
If you have concerns about Carpinteria's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CARPINTERIA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.