A89/100
Redwood City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 92,819 residents · California
What's In Redwood City's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2015.
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
CITY OF REDWOOD CITY
Population Served
92,819
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA4110022
Frequently Asked Questions About Redwood City Water
Is Redwood City tap water safe to drink?
Redwood City, California tap water receives a grade of A (89/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Redwood City's water?
69 contaminants were tested in Redwood City's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Redwood City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Redwood City has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include TT, MCL, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Redwood City?
Redwood City 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Redwood City's tap water come from?
Redwood City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF REDWOOD CITY. The system serves approximately 92,819 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Redwood City'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. Redwood City'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 Redwood City's water compare to other cities in California?
Redwood City's water quality score of 89/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Redwood City 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 Redwood City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Redwood City'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 (CITY OF REDWOOD CITY) 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.