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Is Sacramento, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper, Chromium-6 and 6 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

1.2M residents served 77 water systems PWSID: CA3410020
Overall Score
31.2 / 100
Violations
199 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#693 of 694 in California Top 100% nationally
State
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
31.2/100
waterverge.com
F 31.2/100

Sacramento, CA — Water Quality Report

Sacramento's drinking water received a grade of F (31.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 77 water systems serve approximately 1,223,407 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 9 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.

The system has 1263 violations on record, including 425 health-based violations. 199 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Step 1 See the 13 contaminants we flagged Measured levels for Lead and Copper vs. EPA limits. Step 2 Best filter for pfas Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block — our tested picks for removing pfas. Step 3 How Sacramento compares Sacramento scores below nearby cities (avg 58/100).
Analysis

What to know about Sacramento's water

Sacramento ranks #693 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.

Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 14.81 µg/L, above California's 10 µg/L limit. There is no federal MCL, but the EPA is reviewing evidence linking long-term exposure to cancer risk.

As a major metropolitan system serving over 1.2M residents, Sacramento faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.

The system has seen 150 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
31.2 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
3.2/20
F
9 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Sacramento, CA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Sacramento's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 77 water systems serve approximately 1,223,407 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

199
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 compounds
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Sacramento

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
9 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sacramento's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Groundwater Rule.

Violation
10 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sacramento's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.45 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (9 compounds) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 474.0000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.

Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) Exceeds Limit
Detected: 14.81 µg/L Limit: 10 µg/L (California MCL — no federal limit)

The "Erin Brockovich" chemical. There is no federal MCL, but California has set a limit of 10 µg/L. Reverse osmosis filtration is effective at removing hexavalent chromium.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 9 PFAS compounds in Sacramento's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
lithium 474.0000 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFOS 0.0414 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Over MCL
PFHxS 0.0191 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFOA 0.0173 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Over MCL

Violation history

Sacramento's water system has 1,263 total violations on record, including 425 health-based violations. 199 remain unresolved. 150 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMROtherMCLRPTTT
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Nov 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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 Bl Watt Ave Brdg Nr Carmichael, Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights, Sacramento R A Freeport, Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Nr Freeport.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4683
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591

Where does Sacramento's water come from?

Sacramento's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 77 water systems serving approximately 1,223,407 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include American R Bl Watt Ave Brdg Nr Carmichael (river), Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights (river), Sacramento R A Freeport (river), Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Nr Freeport (river).

What Sacramento residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sacramento's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Sacramento'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.45 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +12% over limit
Exceeds Limit
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
474.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
15.3 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 25% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.9 µg/LHAA9: 17.1 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Over CA Limit
14.81 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over CA MCLUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Elevated
1000.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 67% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
1,4-Dioxane
Organic
Over HA
0.45 µg/L
EPA Health Advisory: 0.35 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
290.0 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Over CA PHG
20.0 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · +20% over limit
Over CA PHGProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Vanadium
Inorganic
Over HA
85.00 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
2700.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Over HA
180.00 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Above state screening
474.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · +20% over limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
9
Detected
2
Exceed EPA MCL
14.68
Hazard Index
PFOS max: 0.0414 µg/L PFOA max: 0.0173 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

1263
Total violations
425
Health-based
199
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

1263 Total
199 Active
425 Health-based
1064 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
201
Total Coliform Rule
187
Arsenic Rule
149
Volatile Organic Chemicals
145
Miscellaneous Other Rules
108
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Showing 20 of 1263 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sacramento

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sacramento, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 6 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JB RADIATOR SPECIALITIES INC
Transportation Equipment · JOHN BOYD ENTERPRISES
SACRAMENTO, CA95828
Zinc compounds66.0 mi
SOUTHWESTERN WIRE INC
Fabricated Metals · SOUTHWESTERN WIRE INC
MCCLELLAN, CA95652
——6.9 mi
LIVINGSTON'S CONCRETE SERVICE INC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · NA
NORTH HIGHLANDS, CA95660
——8.4 mi
WILBUR ELLIS CO LLC RIO LINDA HUB
Chemicals · WILBUR-ELLIS CO LLC
RIO LINDA, CA95673
——8.2 mi
NOR-CAL BEVERAGE CO INC
Beverages · NOR-CAL BEVERAGE CO INC
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA95691
——3.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sacramento

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Mar 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3592
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4683
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4308
Mar 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4305
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248
Filter Recommendations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Sacramento's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L
All Tested Contaminants

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.45 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS 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 ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 474.000 HI µg/L PFAS 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 0.009 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS 0.006 HI µg/L PFAS 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 0.010 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA 0.009 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHxS 0.019 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA 0.017 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFOS 0.041 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFPeA 0.010 HI µg/L PFAS 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
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.
Lead Level History

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
↘ Lead has decreased by 4.3 ppb from 1992 (8.5 ppb) to 2027 (4.2 ppb).
Copper Level History

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
↘ Copper has decreased by 0.487 mg/L from 1992 (1.940 mg/L) to 2017 (1.453 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Sacramento compares by contaminant

Explore where Sacramento ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.

Pb
Lead in California
Cities ranked by 90th percentile lead level (ppb)
→
PF
PFAS in California
Cities ranked by PFAS compounds detected
→
Cu
Copper in California
Cities ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L)
→
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
State
Population Served
1,223,407
Water Systems
77
Source breakdown
Groundwater
61
Purchased Surface Water
10
Surface Water
5
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Sacramento's water comes from

Surface Water

Sacramento'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,223,407 people through 77 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Sacramento

Sacramento is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

American R Bl Watt Ave Brdg Nr Carmichael
river
Arcade C Nr Del Paso Heights
river
Sacramento R A Freeport
river
Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Nr Freeport
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sacramento

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF SACRAMENTO MAIN CA3410020 520,407 SW
SACRAMENTO SUBURBAN WATER DISTRICT CA3410001 194,444 SWP
SCWA - LAGUNA/VINEYARD CA3410029 184,896 SW
CAL AM - SUBURBAN ROSEMONT CA3410010 54,793 SWP
CAL AM - PARKWAY CA3410017 50,573 SWP
CAL AM - LINCOLN OAKS CA3410013 48,094 SWP
CAL AM - ANTELOPE CA3410031 35,534 SWP
SCWA MATHER-SUNRISE CA3410704 30,825 SWP
CAL AM - FRUITRIDGE VISTA CA3410023 15,652 SWP
SCWA - ARDEN PARK VISTA CA3410002 10,101 GW
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR CA3410026 9,280 GW
CAL AM - WEST PLACER CA3110150 8,861 SWP
CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN LARKFIELD (PUC) CA4910023 7,913 GW
FLORIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT CA3410033 7,831 GW
CAL AM - MEADOWBROOK CA2410008 5,656 GW
DEL PASO MANOR COUNTY WATER DI CA3410007 4,854 GW
CAL AM - BASS LAKE CA2010003 4,527 SW
CAL AM - ARDEN CA3410045 4,191 SWP
CAL AM - OAKHURST CA2010007 3,693 GW
RIO COSUMNES CORRECTIONAL CENTER [SWS] CA3400229 2,800 GW
AIRLINE CROSSING TX1650003 2,600 GW
CAL AM - ISLETON CA3410012 1,693 GW
CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN GEYSERVILLE (PUC) CA4910024 1,046 GW
CAL AM - GOLDSIDE CA2010014 1,043 GW
DESCANSO COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT CA3710009 870 GW
WEST VALLEY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT CA1909006 798 GW
CAL AM - WALNUT GROVE CA3410047 667 GW
TOKAY PARK WATER CO CA3400172 653 GW
CAL AM - DUNNIGAN CA5700712 602 GW
RIO VISTA MOBILE HOME PARK CA5200508 543 GW
TRAILER HAVEN MOBILE HOME PARK CA0103041 459 SWP
AURORA ACRES RV RESORT OR4193784 450 GW
TEVISTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT CA5400641 383 GW
GREEN ACRES MOBILE HOME ESTATE CA1000229 350 GW
SAC CITY MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY LP CA3400296 350 GW
THREE PALMS MOBILEHOME PARK CA1000299 347 GW
CAL AM - RAYMOND CA2010012 343 GW
EAST WALNUT GROVE [SWS] CA3400106 300 GW
GOLDEN FEATHER MHP CA0400030 275 GW
BEAVER RUN MOBILE HOME PARK MD0090222 275 GW
HOOD WATER MAINTENCE DIST [SWS] CA3400101 271 GW
WILLOWS MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY & RV PARK CA1100237 261 GW
RANCHO MARINA CA3400149 250 GW
PARKWAY LAKES RV PARK CA4300924 250 GW
MALVERN COURTS MHP PA1150011 250 GW
PORTERVILLE MOBILE VILLAGE CA5400504 205 GW
BETHEL ISLAND ESTATES CA0707523 200 GW
RIVERSIDE RV PARK OR4194601 200 GW
ANTELOPE CREEK MHP CA5200521 175 GW
ISLANDER MARINA CA3900653 150 GW
EL NIDO MOBILE HOME PARK CA2400053 137 GW
TRINIDAD EXTENDED STAY RV CA1200706 130 SW
RIVERVIEW MOBILE HOME PARK CA0707553 126 GW
NEW HOPE LANDING GENERAL STORE CA3900664 125 GW
COVE MOBILE VILLA CA4700626 105 GW
SOUTHWEST TRACT W M D [SWS] CA3400156 103 GWP
RIVER VIEW MHC LLC CA5200558 100 GW
RISELEN PARK CA5800823 100 GW
GRANTS PASS MOBILE HOME PARK LLC OR4101175 100 GW
WEST COTTONWOOD APARTMENTS CA4500247 90 GW
BLUE SPRUCE MOBILE HOME PARK CA4900789 90 GW
RIVER BREEZE MOBILE HOME PARK CA4500092 87 GW
CREEKSIDE MOBILEHOME PARK CA4500219 85 GW
CAL AM - COARSEGOLD CA2010013 83 GW
BELLA SHORES MOBILE HOME PARK CA2300646 80 GW
OROVILLE MOBILE HOME PARK CA0400019 76 GW
GOLDEN OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK CA0400023 75 GW
AUBURN RIDGE WOODS CA3100069 75 GW
FRIENDLY ACRES MHP CA5200539 75 GW
BRIDGEHAVEN PARK CA4900644 70 SW
GOLD COUNTRY HOME PARK - WATER SYSTEM CA2900529 60 GW
SHASTA HORIZON MOBILE HOME PARK CA4700541 55 GW
FREEPORT MARINA CA3400125 45 GW
NORCAL WATER WORKS CA5200657 45 GW
BONFIRE VILLAGE HOTEL CA5700555 44 GW
ANDERSON MOBILE HOME PARK CA4500098 40 GW
PLANTATION MOBILE HOME PARK CA3400401 22 GW
Regional Comparison

How Sacramento compares

Full California rankings →

Sacramento's score of 31.2/100 is below the average of 58/100 among major California cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Sacramento (this city)
31.2
Los Angeles
42.8
San Jose
28
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Burlingame
89.2
California avg
58
Regional Comparison

Nearby cities

View California rankings →
Los Angeles
California
F
Score: 42.8 · 253 violations · 3.9M residents
View report →
San Jose
California
F
Score: 28 · 556 violations · 3.2M residents
View report →
Oakland
California
B
Score: 77.9 · 89 violations · 1.4M residents
View report →
San Diego
California
F
Score: 39.7 · 184 violations · 1.4M residents
View report →
Burlingame
California
A-
Score: 89.2 · 19 violations · 885K residents
View report →
Anaheim
California
C+
Score: 69.3 · 29 violations · 751K residents
View report →
Perris
California
A
Score: 92.6 · 3 violations · 667K residents
View report →
Fresno
California
F
Score: 33.2 · 1141 violations · 625K residents
View report →
Long Beach
California
C
Score: 64.5 · 53 violations · 467K residents
View report →
Irvine
California
F
Score: 42.5 · 256 violations · 448K residents
View report →
Side-by-side

Compare Sacramento water quality

Head-to-head reports vs other large US cities — grades, lead, PFAS, and Superfund / TRI proximity.

See all city comparisons →
City Profile

About Sacramento, CA

Wikipedia →

Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California. The county seat of Sacramento County, it is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in the Sacramento Valley. It is the fourth-most populous city in Northern California, sixth-most populous city in the state, and 35th-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 524,943 at the 2020 census. The Sacramento metropolitan area, with 2.46 million residents, is the 27th-largest metropolitan area in the country.

Economic Profile
$78,954
Median Income
$449,987
Median Home Value
$1,592/mo
Median Rent
6.3%
Unemployment
Community
35.2
Median Age
2,049
People / sq mi
35.8%
College Educated
50.7%
Homeownership

Learn more about your water

Guides and resources related to Sacramento's water quality findings.

Copper Contaminant Profile
EPA action levels, health effects, and copper removal options.
Read more →
PFAS Contaminant Profile
Detailed profile on PFAS contamination in US water systems.
Read more →
PFAS Forever Chemicals Explained
Learn what PFAS are, how they get into water, and what filtration removes them.
Read more →
County Data

Explore water quality across Sacramento

Sacramento Water Quality Rankings
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.
→
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Sacramento, CA tap water safe to drink?

Sacramento's water quality earned a grade of F (31.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #693 out of 694 cities tested in California.

What contaminants are in Sacramento's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 PFAS compounds were detected. 1263 violations are on record.

How is Sacramento'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 Sacramento?

PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.

Where does Sacramento's water come from?

Sacramento's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 77 water systems serving approximately 1,223,407 residents.

What health violations has Sacramento's water system had?

Sacramento has 425 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 199 violations remain unresolved.

Why does Sacramento have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

9 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Sacramento's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.

How does Sacramento's water compare to other cities?

Sacramento ranks #693 out of 694 cities in California (better than 0% of state cities) and #15653 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.