Is Felton, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.3/100
waterverge.com Felton, CA — Water Quality Report
Felton's drinking water received a grade of C (63.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,303 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 87 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Felton's water
Felton ranks #557 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Felton 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, Felton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Felton, CA water safe to drink?
Felton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,303 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Felton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Felton's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Felton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Felton's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Santa Cruz County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Soquel C A Soquel, San Lorenzo R A Big Trees, San Lorenzo R A Santa Cruz.
Where does Felton's water come from?
Felton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,303 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Soquel C A Soquel (river), San Lorenzo R A Big Trees (river), San Lorenzo R A Santa Cruz (river).
What Felton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Felton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Felton'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 Felton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Felton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANITE ROCK CO SANTA CRUZ CON SANTA CRUZ, CA95060 | Lead | 0 | 4.7 mi |
FELTON QUARRY FELTON, CA95018 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Felton
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.
- WATKINS JOHNSON CO STEWART DIVISION PLANT3.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Santa Cruz County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Felton compares by contaminant
Explore where Felton ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Felton's water comes from
Felton'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 1,303 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Felton
Felton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Felton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREST LAKES MWC | CA4410016 | 1,067 | GU |
| BIG REDWOOD PARK WATER | CA4400526 | 182 | SWP |
| RIVER GROVE MUTUAL WATER ASSN | CA4400621 | 54 | SW |
How Felton compares
Full California rankings →Felton's score of 63.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Felton, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Felton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions
Is Felton, CA tap water safe to drink?
Felton's water quality earned a grade of C (63.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #557 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Felton's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Felton'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 Felton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Felton's water come from?
Felton's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,303 residents.
What health violations has Felton's water system had?
Felton has 21 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 Felton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Felton 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 87 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 Felton's water compare to other cities?
Felton ranks #557 out of 694 cities in California (better than 20% of state cities) and #11776 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.