C50/100
Santa Ynez Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 7,022 residents · California
What's In Santa Ynez's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2012.
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 YNEZ RIVER WATER CONS. DIST. ID#1
Population Served
7,022
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA4210020
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Ynez Water
Is Santa Ynez tap water safe to drink?
Santa Ynez, California tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 10 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Santa Ynez's water?
31 contaminants were tested in Santa Ynez's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Santa Ynez have any water quality violations?
Yes, Santa Ynez has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2012. Violation types include MCL, TT. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Santa Ynez?
Santa Ynez 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 Ynez's tap water come from?
Santa Ynez's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SANTA YNEZ RIVER WATER CONS. DIST. ID#1. The system serves approximately 7,022 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Santa Ynez'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 Ynez'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 Ynez's water compare to other cities in California?
Santa Ynez's water quality score of 50/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Santa Ynez's water quality?
If you have concerns about Santa Ynez'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 YNEZ RIVER WATER CONS. DIST. ID#1) 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.