A80/100
Sacramento Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,211,307 residents · California
What's In Sacramento's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
vanadium | 41.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1993.
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
CAL AM - BASS LAKE
Population Served
4,527
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA2010003
CAL AM - OAKHURST
Population Served
3,693
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA2010007
CAL AM - GOLDSIDE
Population Served
1,043
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA2010014
CAL AM - MEADOWBROOK
Population Served
5,656
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA2410008
CAL AM - WEST PLACER
Population Served
8,861
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3110150
RIO COSUMNES CORRECTIONAL CENTER [SWS]
Population Served
2,800
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3400229
SACRAMENTO SUBURBAN WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
194,444
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410001
SCWA - ARDEN PARK VISTA
Population Served
10,101
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3410002
DEL PASO MANOR COUNTY WATER DI
Population Served
4,854
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3410007
CAL AM - SUBURBAN ROSEMONT
Population Served
54,793
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410010
CAL AM - ISLETON
Population Served
1,693
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3410012
CAL AM - LINCOLN OAKS
Population Served
48,094
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410013
CAL AM - PARKWAY
Population Served
50,573
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410017
CITY OF SACRAMENTO MAIN
Population Served
520,407
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA3410020
CAL AM - FRUITRIDGE VISTA
Population Served
15,652
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410023
SCWA - LAGUNA/VINEYARD
Population Served
184,896
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA3410029
CAL AM - ANTELOPE
Population Served
35,534
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410031
FLORIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
7,831
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3410033
CAL AM - ARDEN
Population Served
4,191
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410045
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
Population Served
9,280
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA3410026
SCWA MATHER-SUNRISE
Population Served
30,825
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3410704
CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN LARKFIELD (PUC)
Population Served
7,913
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA4910023
CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN GEYSERVILLE (PUC)
Population Served
1,046
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA4910024
AIRLINE CROSSING
Population Served
2,600
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1650003
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento Water
Is Sacramento tap water safe to drink?
Sacramento, California tap water receives a grade of A (80/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 80 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 6 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 Sacramento's water?
Of the 80 contaminants tested in Sacramento's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate, molybdenum. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 6 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Sacramento have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sacramento has 218 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, TT. 145 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sacramento?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sacramento is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Sacramento's tap water come from?
Sacramento's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CAL AM - BASS LAKE and 23 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 1,211,307 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Sacramento'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. Sacramento'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 Sacramento's water compare to other cities in California?
Sacramento's water quality score of 80/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Sacramento 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 Sacramento's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sacramento'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 (CAL AM - BASS LAKE) 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.