Is Big Sur, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 45 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.1/100
waterverge.com Big Sur, CA — Water Quality Report
Big Sur's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,046 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 206 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Sur's water
Big Sur ranks #547 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Big Sur may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Sur, CA water safe to drink?
Big Sur's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 2,046 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Big Sur
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Sur's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.1/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Sur's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Big Sur's water system has 206 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Big Sur's water come from?
Big Sur's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 2,046 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Big Sur residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Sur'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Big Sur compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Sur ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Sur's water comes from
Big Sur's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,046 people through 10 water systems.
Water systems serving Big Sur
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEPENTHE WS | CA2701280 | 618 | SW |
| POST RANCH INN WS | CA2702299 | 416 | GW |
| ESALEN INSTITUTE WS | CA2701295 | 246 | SW |
| VENTANA BIG SUR INN WS | CA2702328 | 193 | SW |
| FERNWOOD WS | CA2702325 | 184 | GU |
| COASTLANDS MWS (POST CREEK) | CA2701279 | 129 | SW |
| CLEAR RIDGE WA | CA2701898 | 123 | GU |
| RANCHO CHAPARRAL MWC | CA2701278 | 58 | GU |
| NEW CAMALDOLI HERMITAGE WS | CA2702268 | 44 | GU |
| PARTINGTON MWC | CA2701263 | 35 | SW |
How Big Sur compares
Full California rankings →Big Sur's score of 65.1/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Sur's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Big Sur, CA tap water safe to drink?
Big Sur's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #547 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Big Sur's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 206 violations are on record.
How is Big Sur'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 Big Sur?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Sur's water come from?
Big Sur's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 2,046 residents.
What health violations has Big Sur's water system had?
Big Sur has 58 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
How does Big Sur's water compare to other cities?
Big Sur ranks #547 out of 694 cities in California (better than 21% of state cities) and #11573 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.