Is Aromas, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Aromas, CA — Water Quality Report
Aromas's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,363 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 141 violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aromas's water
Aromas ranks #480 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Aromas relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aromas, CA water safe to drink?
Aromas's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,363 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aromas
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aromas's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aromas's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aromas's water system has 141 total violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Llagas C Nr Gilroy, Pajaro R A Chittenden, Corralitos C A Freedom, Salsipuedes C Nr Watsonville, Pajaro R A Watsonville.
Where does Aromas's water come from?
Aromas's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,363 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Llagas C Nr Gilroy (river), Pajaro R A Chittenden (river), Corralitos C A Freedom (river), Salsipuedes C Nr Watsonville (river), Pajaro R A Watsonville (river).
What Aromas residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aromas's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Aromas's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Aromas
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aromas, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CALSTONE GILROY-OLDCASTLE APG GILROY, CA95020 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 8.8 mi |
TRICAL INC HOLLISTER, CA95023 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Aromas
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CRAZY HORSE SANITARY LANDFILL5.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aromas compares by contaminant
Explore where Aromas ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aromas's water comes from
Aromas's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,363 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Aromas
Aromas is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Aromas
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AROMAS WATER DISTRICT | CA3510004 | 2,988 | GW |
| LOMAS DEL SOL MWS | CA2701918 | 93 | GW |
| LOS CARNEROS MWA | CA2701570 | 70 | GW |
| MURPHY HILL WS #02 | CA2700663 | 66 | GW |
| PIONEER PLACE MWS | CA2701956 | 64 | GW |
| SAN JUAN RD WS #01 | CA2700733 | 49 | GW |
| AROMAS HILLS MUTUAL WATER ASSOCIATION | CA3500576 | 33 | GW |
How Aromas compares
Full California rankings →Aromas's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Aromas, CA
Wikipedia →Aromas is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County and San Benito County, California, United States. The population was 2,708 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aromas's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Benito
Frequently asked questions
Is Aromas, CA tap water safe to drink?
Aromas's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #480 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Aromas's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 141 violations are on record.
How is Aromas's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Aromas?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aromas's water come from?
Aromas's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,363 residents.
What health violations has Aromas's water system had?
Aromas has 55 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aromas's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aromas uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 141 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Aromas's water compare to other cities?
Aromas ranks #480 out of 694 cities in California (better than 31% of state cities) and #10157 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.