Is Bodega Bay, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Bodega Bay, CA — Water Quality Report
Bodega Bay's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,357 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bodega Bay's water
Bodega Bay ranks #151 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bodega Bay 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.
As a small community water system, Bodega Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bodega Bay, CA water safe to drink?
Bodega Bay's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,357 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bodega Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bodega Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
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: Nitrite.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bodega Bay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bodega Bay's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sonoma County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Russian R A Highway 1 Bridge Nr Jenner.
Where does Bodega Bay's water come from?
Bodega Bay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,357 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Russian R A Highway 1 Bridge Nr Jenner (river).
What Bodega Bay residents can do
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.
Bodega Bay'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
Flood & disaster history
Sonoma County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bodega Bay's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bodega Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Bodega Bay ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bodega Bay's water comes from
Bodega Bay'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,357 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bodega Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BODEGA BAY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | CA4910021 | 1,069 | GW |
| CARMET BY THE SEA WATER COMPANY | CA4900578 | 288 | GU |
How Bodega Bay compares
Full California rankings →Bodega Bay's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Bodega Bay, CA
Wikipedia →Bodega Bay is a village and census-designated place (CDP) in Sonoma County, California, United States. The population was 912 at the 2020 census. The town, located along State Route 1, is on the eastern side of Bodega Harbor, an inlet of Bodega Bay on the Pacific coast.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bodega Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sonoma
Frequently asked questions
Is Bodega Bay, CA tap water safe to drink?
Bodega Bay's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #151 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Bodega Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Bodega Bay'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 Bodega Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bodega Bay's water come from?
Bodega Bay's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,357 residents.
What health violations has Bodega Bay's water system had?
Bodega Bay has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Bodega Bay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bodega Bay 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 13 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 Bodega Bay's water compare to other cities?
Bodega Bay ranks #151 out of 694 cities in California (better than 78% of state cities) and #2593 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.