Is Galt, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.2/100
waterverge.com Galt, CA — Water Quality Report
Galt's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 26,591 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 46 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Galt's water
Galt ranks #328 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Galt 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.53 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Galt, CA water safe to drink?
Galt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 26,591 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Galt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Galt's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Galt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Galt's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sacramento County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Dry C Nr Galt.
Where does Galt's water come from?
Galt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 26,591 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dry C Nr Galt (river).
What Galt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Galt'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.
Galt'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
Sacramento County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Galt compares by contaminant
Explore where Galt ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Galt's water comes from
Galt'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 26,591 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Galt
Galt is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Galt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALT, CITY OF | CA3410011 | 26,536 | GW |
| MOKELUMNE MOBILE SENIOR PARK | CA3900719 | 55 | GW |
How Galt compares
Full California rankings →Galt's score of 82.2/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Galt, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Galt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sacramento
Frequently asked questions
Is Galt, CA tap water safe to drink?
Galt's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #328 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Galt's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Galt'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 Galt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Galt's water come from?
Galt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 26,591 residents.
What health violations has Galt's water system had?
Galt has 27 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 Galt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Galt 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 46 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 Galt's water compare to other cities?
Galt ranks #328 out of 694 cities in California (better than 53% of state cities) and #7092 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.