Is La Selva Beach, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com La Selva Beach, CA — Water Quality Report
La Selva Beach's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 778 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about La Selva Beach's water
La Selva Beach ranks #81 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
La Selva Beach 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, La Selva Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Selva Beach, CA water safe to drink?
La Selva Beach's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 778 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for La Selva Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Selva Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
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: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Selva Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
La Selva Beach's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 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 Corralitos C A Freedom, Salsipuedes C Nr Watsonville, Pajaro R A Watsonville, Aptos C Nr Aptos, Soquel C A Soquel.
Where does La Selva Beach's water come from?
La Selva Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 778 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Corralitos C A Freedom (river), Salsipuedes C Nr Watsonville (river), Pajaro R A Watsonville (river), Aptos C Nr Aptos (river), Soquel C A Soquel (river).
What La Selva Beach 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.
La Selva Beach'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
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Selva Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where La Selva Beach ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Selva Beach's water comes from
La Selva Beach'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 778 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near La Selva Beach
La Selva Beach is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving La Selva Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTEREY BAY ACADEMY | CA4400755 | 400 | GW |
| SAN ANDREAS MUTUAL WATER CO | CA4400558 | 378 | GW |
How La Selva Beach compares
Full California rankings →La Selva Beach's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About La Selva Beach, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Selva Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions
Is La Selva Beach, CA tap water safe to drink?
La Selva Beach's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in La Selva Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is La Selva Beach'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 La Selva Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Selva Beach's water come from?
La Selva Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 778 residents.
Is La Selva Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
La Selva Beach 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 16 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 La Selva Beach's water compare to other cities?
La Selva Beach ranks #81 out of 694 cities in California (better than 88% of state cities) and #1072 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.