A86/100
Santa Clara Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 130,746 residents · California
What's In Santa Clara'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1995.
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 CLARA
Population Served
130,746
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA4310012
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Clara Water
Is Santa Clara tap water safe to drink?
Santa Clara, California tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 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 Santa Clara's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Santa Clara's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 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 Santa Clara have any water quality violations?
Yes, Santa Clara has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1995. Violation types include TT, Other. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara's tap water come from?
Santa Clara's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF SANTA CLARA. The system serves approximately 130,746 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Santa Clara'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 Clara'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 Clara's water compare to other cities in California?
Santa Clara's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Santa Clara 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 Clara's water quality?
If you have concerns about Santa Clara'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 CLARA) 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.