01The verdict: is San Jose water safe?
San Jose's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (28/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 64 water systems serve approximately 3,162,368 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Copper is over its legal limit
Measured at 1.59 mg/L against the EPA Action Level of 1.3 mg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.
See the measurement ↓3.2M people, 64 systems
All figures on this page come from federal EPA compliance and testing data for the systems serving this city.
See the systems ↓lithium is approaching its limit
Measured at 81.3000 µg/L — 120% of the 0.004 µg/L limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓San Jose's drinking water received a grade of F (28 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 64 water systems serve approximately 3,162,368 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. UCMR 5 testing detected 9 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply. The system has 556 violations on record, including 142 health-based violations. 126 remain unresolved.
San Jose ranks #690 out of 690 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 7.30 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. As a major metropolitan system serving over 3.2M residents, San Jose faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network. The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in San Jose's water
Every contaminant flagged in San Jose, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Over Limit — EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L
Exceeds the EPA action level. Copper leaches from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified filter.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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.59 | 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 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. | 81.300 | 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 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. | 0.028 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | 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. | 0.010 | 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 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. | 0.004 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | 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. | 0.015 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | 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. | 0.022 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | 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. | 0.009 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| 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. | 0.022 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| 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. | 0.034 | 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 |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in California
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in California
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03San Jose's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 556 violations on record, including 142 health-based violations. 126 remain unresolved.
1 of the last ten years was clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▲ Up 3 ppb since 1992. Latest reading: 5.5 ppb (2027) — 37% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
▼ Down 1.4 mg/L since 1992. The latest reading (1.6 mg/L, 2024) is over the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where San Jose's water comes from
San Jose's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface Water
Rivers, lakes, or reservoirs — more exposed to runoff, agriculture, and seasonal swings than groundwater.
Local treatment
Multi-barrier treatment: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA standards.
64 systems
64 water systems (3 wholesalers), operated under private ownership.
3,162,368 people
Residents served across San Jose's service area.
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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,162,368 people through 64 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN JOSE WATER | CA4310011 | 1,039,920 | Surface Water |
| CWS - BAKERSFIELD | CA1510003 | 267,881 | Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE - STOCKTON | CA3910001 | 176,266 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - ELA | CA1910036 | 152,474 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS - VISALIA | CA5410016 | 148,496 | Groundwater |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - DOMINGUEZ | CA1910033 | 143,996 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWSC SALINAS | CA2710010 | 123,679 | Groundwater |
| CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICO | CA0410002 | 114,925 | Groundwater |
| GREAT OAKS WC INC | CA4310022 | 110,088 | Groundwater |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE - SAN MATEO | CA4110008 | 102,348 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CITY OF SAN JOSE - EVG/EDV/COY | CA4310020 | 101,265 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - HERM/REDO | CA1910134 | 96,853 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - PALOS VER | CA1910104 | 71,452 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWSC LOS ALTOS SUBURBAN | CA4310001 | 69,973 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE-S SAN FRANCISCO | CA4110009 | 64,146 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE - BEAR GULCH | CA4110006 | 61,431 | Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE - LIVERMORE | CA0110003 | 60,414 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CITY OF SAN JOSE - NSJ/ALVISO | CA4310019 | 45,559 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE - SAN CARLOS | CA4110007 | 35,344 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS - SELMA | CA1010024 | 26,517 | Groundwater |
| CWS - NORTH GARDEN | CA1510055 | 22,762 | Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO - WESTLAKE | CA5610016 | 19,533 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO.-TRAVIS AFB | CA4810701 | 18,111 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWSC KING CITY | CA2710009 | 16,334 | Groundwater |
| CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-MARYSVILLE | CA5810001 | 12,419 | Groundwater |
| CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-OROVILLE | CA0410005 | 11,106 | Surface Water |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - DIXON | CA4810002 | 10,623 | Groundwater |
| CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-WILLOWS | CA1110003 | 7,240 | Groundwater |
| CWSC SALINAS HILLS | CA2710012 | 5,293 | Groundwater |
| TESORO VIEJO MASTER MWC, INC. | CA2010017 | 3,885 | Surface Water |
| CWSC OAK HILLS | CA2710019 | 3,161 | Groundwater |
| CWS - KERNVILLE | CA1510033 | 2,572 | Surface Water |
| LUCERNE WATER CO. - CAL WATER SERVICE | CA1710005 | 2,129 | Surface Water |
| CWSC LAS LOMAS | CA2710013 | 2,084 | Groundwater |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO.-LANCASTER | CA1910010 | 1,387 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS SOUTHLAKE SYSTEM | CA1510039 | 1,112 | Groundwater |
| WESTFIELD GARDEN MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1011947 | 942 | Groundwater |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO-LAKE HUGHES | CA1910242 | 929 | Groundwater |
| CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO-LEONA VALLEY | CA1910243 | 878 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS - LOWER BODFISH WATER SYSTEM | CA1510056 | 736 | Groundwater |
| CWS - TULCO WATER COMPANY | CA5410041 | 716 | Groundwater |
| CEDAR GROVE MOBILE HOME PARK | TX0500043 | 595 | Purchased Surface Water |
| MISSION OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK | CA3510006 | 550 | Groundwater |
| RIVERBEND MHP | OK3007232 | 500 | Purchased Surface Water |
| ARMSTRONG VALLEY-CAL WATER SERVICE (PUC) | CA4910018 | 473 | Groundwater |
| COAST SPRINGS - CAL. WATER SERVICE (PUC) | CA2110007 | 388 | Surface Water |
| CWS - UPPER BODFISH WATER SYSTEM | CA1510026 | 307 | Groundwater |
| MT. PLEASANT WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | CA4300563 | 300 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS - LAKELAND | CA1510049 | 294 | Groundwater |
| CWS-ONYX WATER SYSTEM | CA1510043 | 284 | Groundwater |
| CWS-SPLIT MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM | CA1500407 | 226 | Ground Water Under Influence |
| LONGHORN MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | TX1010587 | 220 | Purchased Groundwater |
| CWS - FREMONT VALLEY | CA1500333 | 167 | Groundwater |
| BELLA LAGO MOBILE HOME PARK | CA1700610 | 152 | Groundwater |
| ROSEVIEW HEIGHTS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA4300562 | 148 | Purchased Surface Water |
| KENNON WATER COMPANY | CA4300521 | 142 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CWS - MULLEN WATER COMPANY | CA5400935 | 138 | Groundwater |
| CWS-GRAND OAKS WATER SYSTEM | CA1500374 | 122 | Groundwater |
| RANCHO DEL PARADISO-CAL WATER SVC (PUC) | CA4900514 | 94 | Purchased Groundwater |
| LAKE SAN ANTONIO MHP WS | CA2701906 | 84 | Groundwater |
| HAWKINS WATER CO-CAL WATER SERVICE (PUC) | CA4900546 | 81 | Groundwater |
| NOEL HEIGHTS-CAL WATER SERVICE (PUC) | CA4900785 | 79 | Ground Water Under Influence |
| ABORN HEIGHTS WATER MUTUAL ASSOCIATION | CA4300792 | 45 | Groundwater |
| SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT | CA4310027 | — | Surface Water |
Water bodies near San Jose
As a surface-water system, these water bodies may directly influence San Jose's drinking water supply.
05Pressure on San Jose's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Industrial discharge
5 facilities within 10 miles reported 12 lb released to surface water in the latest EPA Toxics Release Inventory. Proximity doesn't equal tap contamination — treatment and hydrology decide — but it's pressure on the watershed.
Flood & storm history
10 federal disaster declarations on record for Santa Clara County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
Superfund proximity
2 National Priorities List sites within 10 miles. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
06How San Jose compares
Scores for nearby California cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = California average (58/100)
San Jose scores 28/100 — below the California average of 58/100. Full California rankings →
42.8 / 100BOakland, CA
77.9 / 100FSan Diego, CA
39.7 / 100FSacramento, CA
31.2 / 100ABurlingame, CA
89.2 / 100CAnaheim, CA
69.3 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in San Jose's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Reverse osmosis system. Lead detected at 5.5 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for San Jose alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is San Jose, CA tap water safe to drink?
San Jose's water quality earned a grade of F (28/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #690 out of 690 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in San Jose's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 9 PFAS compounds were detected. 556 violations are on record.
How is San Jose'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 San Jose?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.
Where does San Jose's water come from?
San Jose's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 64 water systems serving approximately 3,162,368 residents.
What health violations has San Jose's water system had?
San Jose has 142 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 126 violations remain unresolved.
Why does San Jose have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
9 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in San Jose'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 San Jose's water compare to other cities?
San Jose ranks #690 out of 690 cities in California (better than 0% of state cities) and #15360 out of 15382 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.