B68/100
Santa Cruz Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 94,626 residents · California
What's In Santa Cruz's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.80 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 320.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
SANTA CRUZ WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
94,626
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CA4410010
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cruz Water
Is Santa Cruz tap water safe to drink?
Santa Cruz, California tap water receives a grade of B (68/100), which is considered good. Out of 70 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Cruz's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Santa Cruz's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Santa Cruz have any water quality violations?
Yes, Santa Cruz has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MR, TT. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Santa Cruz?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Santa Cruz is recommended. 1 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 Santa Cruz's tap water come from?
Santa Cruz's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SANTA CRUZ WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 94,626 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Santa Cruz'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 Cruz'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 Cruz's water compare to other cities in California?
Santa Cruz's water quality score of 68/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Santa Cruz's water quality?
If you have concerns about Santa Cruz'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 (SANTA CRUZ WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.