A85/100
Santa Ana Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 310,539 residents · California
What's In Santa Ana's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Other Violation
When: October 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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 SANTA ANA
Population Served
310,539
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA3010038
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Ana Water
Is Santa Ana tap water safe to drink?
Santa Ana, California tap water receives a grade of A (85/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 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 Santa Ana's water?
76 contaminants were tested in Santa Ana's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Santa Ana have any water quality violations?
Yes, Santa Ana has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana's tap water come from?
Santa Ana's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF SANTA ANA. The system serves approximately 310,539 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Santa Ana'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. Santa Ana'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 Santa Ana's water compare to other cities in California?
Santa Ana's water quality score of 85/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana's water quality?
If you have concerns about Santa Ana'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 SANTA ANA) 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.