Is Palo Alto, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Palo Alto, CA — Water Quality Report
Palo Alto's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 70,020 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 12 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palo Alto's water
Palo Alto ranks #163 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 31.0 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.21 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 Palo Alto, CA water safe to drink?
Palo Alto's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 70,020 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Palo Alto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palo Alto's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palo Alto's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palo Alto's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Santa Clara County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 San Francisquito C A Stanford University, Alameda C Flood Channel A Union City, Coyote C Nr Alviso.
Where does Palo Alto's water come from?
Palo Alto's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 70,020 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Francisquito C A Stanford University (river), Alameda C Flood Channel A Union City (river), Coyote C Nr Alviso (river).
What Palo Alto residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palo Alto'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.
Palo Alto'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Palo Alto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Palo Alto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP SUNNYVALE, CA94086 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 3 | 6.5 mi |
GRANITE ROCK CO REDWOOD CITY REDWOOD CITY, CA94063 | Barium | 0 | 7.8 mi |
US DOE SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY MENLO PARK, CA94025 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
CSBIO MENLO PARK, CA94025 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA REDWOOD CITY, CA94063 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Palo Alto
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.
- HEWLETT PACKARD 620 640 PAGE MILL ROAD1.7 mi
- CTS PRINTEX INC3.4 mi
- TELEDYNE SEMICONDUCTOR3.6 mi
- SPECTRA PHYSICS INC3.6 mi
- INTEL CORP MOUNTAIN VIEW PLANT4.7 mi
+ 14 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Santa Clara County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Palo Alto compares by contaminant
Explore where Palo Alto ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palo Alto's water comes from
Palo Alto's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 70,020 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Palo Alto
Palo Alto is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Palo Alto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF PALO ALTO | CA4310009 | 67,231 | SWP |
| O'CONNOR TRACT CO-OPERATIVE WATER CO. | CA4110019 | 2,789 | GW |
How Palo Alto compares
Full California rankings →Palo Alto's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Palo Alto, CA
Wikipedia →Palo Alto is a charter city in northwestern Santa Clara County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area, named after a coastal redwood tree known as El Palo Alto.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palo Alto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Clara
Frequently asked questions
Is Palo Alto, CA tap water safe to drink?
Palo Alto's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #163 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Palo Alto's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 12 violations are on record.
How is Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palo Alto's water come from?
Palo Alto's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 70,020 residents.
What health violations has Palo Alto's water system had?
Palo Alto has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Palo Alto's water compare to other cities?
Palo Alto ranks #163 out of 694 cities in California (better than 77% of state cities) and #2943 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.