Is North Highlands, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com North Highlands, CA — Water Quality Report
North Highlands's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 962 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Highlands's water
North Highlands ranks #158 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
North Highlands 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, North Highlands may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Highlands, CA water safe to drink?
North Highlands's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 962 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Highlands
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Highlands's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Highlands's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Highlands's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 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 American R A Fair Oaks, American R A William B Pond Park A Carmichael, American R Bl Watt Ave Brdg Nr Carmichael, Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights.
Where does North Highlands's water come from?
North Highlands's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 962 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include American R A Fair Oaks (river), American R A William B Pond Park A Carmichael (river), American R Bl Watt Ave Brdg Nr Carmichael (river), Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights (river).
What North Highlands residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Highlands'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.
North Highlands'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 North Highlands
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Highlands, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC FOLSOM, CA95630 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
SOUTHWESTERN WIRE INC MCCLELLAN, CA95652 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
LIVINGSTON'S CONCRETE SERVICE INC NORTH HIGHLANDS, CA95660 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
H.B. FULLER CO ROSEVILLE, CA95678 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
TSI SEMICONDUCTORS AMERICA, LLC ROSEVILLE, CA95747 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of North Highlands
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.
- MCCLELLAN AIR FORCE BASE GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION1.7 mi
- MATHER AIR FORCE BASE AC W DISPOSAL SITE8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 North Highlands compares by contaminant
Explore where North Highlands ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Highlands's water comes from
North Highlands'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 962 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near North Highlands
North Highlands is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Highlands
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC CLELLAN MHP | CA3400179 | 700 | GW |
| ELEVEN OAKS MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | CA3400191 | 262 | GW |
How North Highlands compares
Full California rankings →North Highlands's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About North Highlands, CA
Wikipedia →North Highlands is a census-designated place (CDP) in Sacramento County, California, United States. It is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area. The population was 49,327 at the 2020 census, up from 42,694 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Highlands's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sacramento
Frequently asked questions
Is North Highlands, CA tap water safe to drink?
North Highlands's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in North Highlands's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is North Highlands'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 North Highlands?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Highlands's water come from?
North Highlands's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 962 residents.
What health violations has North Highlands's water system had?
North Highlands has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Highlands's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Highlands 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 North Highlands's water compare to other cities?
North Highlands ranks #158 out of 694 cities in California (better than 77% of state cities) and #2732 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.