Is New Cuyama, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how New Cuyama ranks. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com New Cuyama, CA — Water Quality Report
New Cuyama's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 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 30 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about New Cuyama's water
New Cuyama ranks #103 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
New Cuyama 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, New Cuyama may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Cuyama, CA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, New Cuyama's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Cuyama
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Cuyama's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Cuyama's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Cuyama's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Santa Barbara County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Santa Barbara Cyn C Nr Ventucopa.
Where does New Cuyama's water come from?
New Cuyama's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Barbara Cyn C Nr Ventucopa (river).
What New Cuyama 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.
New Cuyama'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 Barbara County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Cuyama compares by contaminant
Explore where New Cuyama ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Cuyama's water comes from
New Cuyama'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 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Cuyama
New Cuyama is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Cuyama
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUYAMA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT | CA4210009 | 700 | GW |
How New Cuyama compares
Full California rankings →New Cuyama's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About New Cuyama, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Cuyama's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Barbara
Frequently asked questions
Is New Cuyama, CA tap water safe to drink?
New Cuyama's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #103 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in New Cuyama's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is New Cuyama'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 New Cuyama?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Cuyama's water come from?
New Cuyama's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has New Cuyama's water system had?
New Cuyama has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is New Cuyama's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Cuyama 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 30 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 New Cuyama's water compare to other cities?
New Cuyama ranks #103 out of 694 cities in California (better than 85% of state cities) and #1553 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Cuyama's small water system affect quality?
New Cuyama's system serves approximately 700 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 30 violations on record.