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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Comprehensive water safety analysis • Updated May 2026
Sacramento's water meets EPA standards, though 0 contaminant(s) are elevated above 50% of limits.
•All 3 historical violation(s) in Sacramento have been resolved.
Generally Safe. Sacramento's tap water meets EPA standards. Score: 86/100.
Want to understand your score better? Learn how scores are calculated →
9 contaminants tested • EPA SDWIS data • Click any contaminant for details
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes | 16.91 ug/L | 80.00 ug/L | 21.1% | Safe |
| Fluoride | 0.765 mg/L | 4.00 mg/L | 19.1% | Safe |
| Lead | 0.0026 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | 17.4% | Safe |
| Nitrite | 0.138 mg/L | 1.00 mg/L | 13.8% | Safe |
| Mercury | 0.0003 mg/L | 0.0020 mg/L | 12.7% | Safe |
| Copper | 0.066 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | 5.1% | Safe |
| Arsenic | 0.0005 mg/L | 0.010 mg/L | 5.0% | Safe |
| Nitrate | 0.306 mg/L | 10.00 mg/L | 3.1% | Safe |
| Chromium | 0.0008 mg/L | 0.100 mg/L | 0.8% | Safe |
Based on detected contaminants in your water
There is no safe level of lead exposure. An NSF 53 certified filter or reverse osmosis system is strongly recommended.
Get APEC RO System (Removes 99% Lead) — ~$200 on AmazonRemoves chlorine, improves taste, and filters many organic compounds. Great starting point.
| Filter | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| APEC RO System | Lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrates | ~$200 | View on Amazon |
| Clearly Filtered | 365+ contaminants, under-sink | ~$250 | View on Amazon |
| Brita UltraMax | Basic filtration, taste improvement | ~$35 | View on Amazon |
Our data covers your city's water system, but contaminants can vary at the tap. A home water test gives you exact results for your faucet.
Get a Certified Home Water Test — Tap ScoreWe may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on our independent analysis of Sacramento's water quality data.
In-depth assessment of your municipal water supply
The water quality in Sacramento, California has been comprehensively evaluated using data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and local water utility reports. Our analysis examines 9 distinct contaminants across multiple categories including inorganic chemicals, disinfection byproducts, microorganisms, and radionuclides. With an overall quality score of 86 out of 100 (Grade: A-), Sacramento's water supply demonstrates strong compliance with federal drinking water standards.
Sacramento's primary water system, SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM, serves approximately 523,908 residents. The water is sourced from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water typically requires more extensive treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to remove sediments, organic matter, and pathogens.
Of the 9 contaminants analyzed in Sacramento's water supply, 9 (100%) are present at safe levels below 50% of EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). No contaminants currently exceed EPA safety limits. The most common categories of concern in municipal water supplies include disinfection byproducts formed during the chlorination process, heavy metals like lead that can leach from aging infrastructure, and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic or radium that vary by geographic region.
Sacramento's water system has a compliance history with 3 documented EPA violations. All historical violations have been addressed and resolved. Violations can range from monitoring and reporting failures to actual exceedances of contaminant limits. Water utilities are required by law to notify customers of any violations that may affect health and to take corrective action to return to compliance.
Water quality at the tap can differ from quality at the treatment plant due to distribution system conditions. Homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or lead solder in plumbing that can contribute to lead exposure. Older galvanized pipes can harbor bacteria and release metals. Running cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking helps flush stagnant water from pipes. Residents in older homes should consider testing their water directly at the tap to assess any additional contamination from household plumbing, as EPA monitoring typically occurs at distribution points rather than individual residences.
Understanding potential health effects for residents
Certain groups face elevated health risks from water contaminants and should take extra precautions. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable as contaminants like lead and nitrates can affect fetal development, potentially causing developmental delays and birth defects. Infants and young children are at heightened risk because their developing bodies absorb contaminants more readily and are more susceptible to their effects; lead exposure in children can cause irreversible cognitive impairment and behavioral problems. Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems (including cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and HIV/AIDS patients) are more susceptible to waterborne pathogens and may experience severe illness from microorganisms that healthy adults can tolerate. Individuals with kidney disease should be aware of fluoride and other mineral levels, as impaired kidney function affects the body's ability to filter these substances.
Lead has been detected in Sacramento's water supply. There is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, lead can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, weight loss, hearing loss, and seizures. In adults, lead exposure contributes to cardiovascular problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues. Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer it to their developing fetus, increasing risk of premature birth and reduced growth. Use an NSF 53 certified filter and run cold water before drinking to reduce exposure.
Arsenic has been detected in Sacramento's water supply. Long-term arsenic exposure, even at levels near EPA limits, is associated with increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers. Arsenic exposure can also cause cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological effects. Skin changes like thickening and pigmentation may indicate chronic exposure. Reverse osmosis filtration is highly effective at removing arsenic from drinking water.
Elevated nitrate levels in Sacramento's water pose particular risk to infants under six months. Nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"), a condition where the blood cannot carry sufficient oxygen. Symptoms include bluish skin color, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, death. Formula-fed infants are at greatest risk. Pregnant women should also limit nitrate exposure. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrates—it actually concentrates them. Reverse osmosis or distillation systems effectively remove nitrates.
Based on Sacramento's water quality profile, residents should consider the following protective measures: While water quality is generally good, filtration remains beneficial for removing trace contaminants. Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can contain higher levels of metals from pipes. Have your home tested if it was built before 1986 to check for lead plumbing. Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report (water quality report) from your utility to stay informed about local water quality trends. Pregnant women, families with young children, and immunocompromised individuals should consult healthcare providers about water safety precautions specific to their situation.
Past violations for Sacramento's water system
reporting
Copper - 2/3/2025
Resolvedother
Arsenic - 2/4/2023
Resolvedmonitoring
Mercury - 2/3/2025
ResolvedWhat your city's grade of A- means for you and your family
Sacramento earns a water quality score of 86 out of 100, which places it in the excellent category. This means the municipal water supply consistently meets or exceeds EPA safety standards across all 9 tested contaminants. Residents of Sacramento can generally feel confident that their tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, and daily household use without mandatory filtration.
A score above 85 is achieved by only a fraction of U.S. water systems. The national average water quality score is approximately 72 out of 100, so Sacramento performs 14 points above the national average. This strong result reflects effective water treatment processes, well-maintained distribution infrastructure, and consistent regulatory compliance by SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM. However, even in cities with excellent scores, water quality at the tap can differ from the treatment plant. Homes with older plumbing, particularly those built before 1986, should still consider periodic testing as lead solder and galvanized pipes can introduce contaminants after treatment.
While Sacramento's results are reassuring, maintaining awareness of your water quality is always worthwhile. Environmental conditions, infrastructure aging, and emerging contaminants like PFAS can shift water quality over time. Reviewing your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report and staying informed through resources like this one helps ensure you are aware of any changes that may affect your household.
Practical steps based on your city's specific water quality profile
Based on our analysis of Sacramento's water quality data, here are targeted recommendations for residents. These steps are prioritized according to the specific contaminants and issues identified in your water supply.
Lead has been detected in Sacramento's water supply. Since there is no safe level of lead exposure, take these precautions: Use only cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water leaches more lead from pipes. Flush your faucet by running cold water for at least 30 seconds before each use, especially after the water has been sitting for several hours. If your home was built before 1986, it likely has lead solder in the plumbing; consider having a licensed plumber inspect your service line. For homes with confirmed lead plumbing, an NSF 53 certified pitcher filter or under-sink reverse osmosis system effectively removes lead. Have your water tested at the tap through a state-certified lab to determine your household's specific lead levels.
Arsenic has been detected in Sacramento's water supply. Arsenic is odorless and tasteless, making filtration essential since you cannot detect it by smell or appearance. Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective household treatment for arsenic, typically removing over 95%. Distillation is also effective. Standard carbon filters do NOT adequately remove arsenic. Boiling water actually concentrates arsenic rather than removing it, so never boil water as a treatment for arsenic contamination. If you rely on well water in addition to municipal supply, have it independently tested for arsenic, as levels can vary significantly by location.
Nitrates are present in Sacramento's water, which is especially important for households with infants. Do NOT boil water to treat nitrates, as boiling concentrates them. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing nitrates. Distillation also works but is less practical for daily use. If you have an infant under six months who is formula-fed, use filtered or bottled water for formula preparation until you can confirm nitrate levels at your tap are below 10 mg/L. Pregnant women should also minimize nitrate exposure. Agricultural runoff is the most common source of nitrate contamination in municipal water supplies.
How to contact your water provider and access official reports
The primary water provider for Sacramento is SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM (Public Water System ID: CA357970), serving approximately 523,908 residents. This utility is responsible for treating, testing, and delivering drinking water that meets EPA standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. As a regulated public water system, it is required to conduct regular testing for over 90 contaminants and publish results in an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that must be made available to all customers by July 1 each year.
Your water utility is legally obligated to notify customers within 24 hours of any violation that poses an immediate health risk, and within 30 days for less urgent violations. If you are concerned about your water quality, you have the right to request testing data from your utility at any time. For independent verification, you can have your water tested at the tap by a state-certified laboratory. The EPA maintains a list of certified labs by state at epa.gov/dwlabcert. Home testing is particularly important because it captures contamination from your household plumbing that utility testing at distribution points would not detect.
Sacramento Water Quality Score
Based on EPA contaminant data and compliance records
Even with good water quality, a filter removes trace contaminants and improves taste.
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Based on contaminants detected in your water, these resources may be helpful:
Explore detailed information about each contaminant detected in Sacramento's water:
View All Contaminants →Find the right filter for your Sacramento water quality needs:
Understand the contaminants that may be present in Sacramento's water supply and their health effects.
Understand your water better with our in-depth guides on contaminants, filtration, and water safety.
Sacramento's drinking water is managed by SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM, which serves approximately 523,908 residents through surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Our analysis of 9 tested contaminants reveals a quality score of 86/100, placing Sacramento above average compared to other California cities.
Sacramento's water quality is strong across all tested parameters, with all contaminants well within EPA safety limits. This reflects effective water treatment and well-maintained infrastructure.
Sacramento's water system has 3 documented EPA violations in its compliance history. All have since been resolved, indicating the utility has addressed past issues. Compliance history is one of the factors in our scoring methodology.
This report is based on data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and the EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. Our scoring algorithm weighs contaminant analysis (50%), compliance history (30%), and infrastructure factors (20%). Data is sourced directly from public EPA records and Consumer Confidence Reports. We are an independent resource with no affiliation to water utilities or government agencies. Learn more about our methodology.
Common questions from Sacramento, California residents about their drinking water
Yes, Sacramento's tap water generally meets EPA safety standards with a quality score of 86/100 (Grade A-). All 9 tested contaminants are within legal limits, indicating the water treatment process is effective. However, water quality at your faucet can differ from what leaves the treatment plant due to your home's plumbing. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead solder or galvanized pipes that introduce contaminants. Even with a good score, a basic water filter can improve taste and provide extra peace of mind.
Sacramento's water has been tested for 9 contaminants spanning inorganic chemicals, disinfection byproducts, organic compounds, radionuclides, and microorganisms. All tested contaminants are within safe limits, with 9 contaminants well below 50% of their respective EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels.' See the full contaminant breakdown table above for detailed measurements and EPA limit comparisons.
Sacramento has a water quality score of 86/100, earning a grade of A-. This score is calculated using EPA SDWIS data and weighs three factors: contaminant levels (50% of score), regulatory compliance history (30%), and infrastructure factors (20%). The national average is approximately 72/100. Sacramento's score of 86 is 14 points above the national average, indicating excellent water quality management. Learn more about how scores are calculated.
Based on Sacramento's water quality profile, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for the most comprehensive filtration. Lead has been detected, and RO systems remove over 99% of lead. Arsenic is present, and RO systems typically remove over 95% of arsenic. A quality RO system costs approximately $150-300 and is installed under the kitchen sink. Even in cities with good water quality, a filter provides an additional layer of protection against contaminants that may enter water from your home's plumbing. View our water filter comparison guide for specific product recommendations.
Sacramento's primary water system, SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM (PWS ID: CA357970), sources water from surface water such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and stormwater, which is why extensive multi-step treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection is required. This system serves approximately 523,908 residents.
Yes, lead has been detected in Sacramento's water supply. The EPA has established that there is no safe level of lead exposure, making this a priority concern especially for households with children or pregnant women. Lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of lead service lines and lead solder in household plumbing, particularly in homes built before 1986. To reduce exposure: always use cold water for drinking and cooking, flush the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after periods of non-use, and install an NSF 53 certified filter. Consider having your water independently tested at the tap, as lead levels can vary significantly from house to house depending on plumbing age and condition.
Yes, Sacramento's water system has 3 documented EPA violations in its compliance history. All violations have been resolved, indicating the utility has taken corrective action. Violations can include exceeding contaminant limits, failure to conduct required testing, or failure to properly notify customers. Water utilities are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act to address violations and notify affected customers. You can look up the full violation history through the EPA's ECHO database or by contacting your water utility directly.
There are several options for testing your water in Sacramento. For the most comprehensive results, use a state-certified laboratory (find one at epa.gov/dwlabcert). Home test kits like Tap Score provide EPA-certified lab analysis with easy-to-understand results. Basic test strips available at hardware stores can screen for common parameters like chlorine, pH, hardness, and lead, though they are less accurate than laboratory testing. You can also request the latest testing data directly from SACRAMENTO WATER SYSTEM. Testing at your tap is important because it captures contamination from your household plumbing that city-level monitoring at distribution points does not detect.