A90/100
Goleta Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 84,462 residents · California
What's In Goleta'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 | 500.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2011.
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
GOLETA WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
84,462
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA4210004
Frequently Asked Questions About Goleta Water
Is Goleta tap water safe to drink?
Goleta, California tap water receives a grade of A (90/100), which is considered excellent. 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 Goleta's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Goleta'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 Goleta have any water quality violations?
Yes, Goleta has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2011. Violation types include MR, TT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Goleta?
Goleta 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 Goleta's tap water come from?
Goleta's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GOLETA WATER DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 84,462 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Goleta'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. Goleta'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 Goleta's water compare to other cities in California?
Goleta's water quality score of 90/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Goleta among the better-performing water systems in California. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Goleta's water quality?
If you have concerns about Goleta'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 (GOLETA 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.