Is San Juan Bautista, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.5/100
waterverge.com San Juan Bautista, CA — Water Quality Report
San Juan Bautista's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,530 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 78 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Juan Bautista's water
San Juan Bautista ranks #543 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
San Juan Bautista 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, San Juan Bautista may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Juan Bautista, CA water safe to drink?
San Juan Bautista's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,530 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for San Juan Bautista
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Juan Bautista's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for San Juan Bautista's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Juan Bautista's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Benito County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Llagas C Nr Gilroy, San Benito R Bl Hospital Rd Bridge Nr Hollister, Pajaro R A Chittenden.
Where does San Juan Bautista's water come from?
San Juan Bautista's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,530 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Llagas C Nr Gilroy (river), San Benito R Bl Hospital Rd Bridge Nr Hollister (river), Pajaro R A Chittenden (river).
What San Juan Bautista residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Juan Bautista'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.
San Juan Bautista'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 San Juan Bautista
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near San Juan Bautista, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CALSTONE GILROY-OLDCASTLE APG GILROY, CA95020 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.7 mi |
FUJIFILM ELECTRONIC MATERIALS USA INC. HOLLISTER, CA95023 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC ENERGETICS MATERIALS CO CALIFORNIA HOLLISTER, CA95023 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
TRICAL INC HOLLISTER, CA95023 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
PRIDE CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS HOLLISTER, CA95023 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of San Juan Bautista
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.
- CRAZY HORSE SANITARY LANDFILL5.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
San Benito County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 San Juan Bautista compares by contaminant
Explore where San Juan Bautista ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Juan Bautista's water comes from
San Juan Bautista'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 2,530 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near San Juan Bautista
San Juan Bautista is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving San Juan Bautista
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CITY OF | CA3510002 | 2,335 | GW |
| MISSION FARM R.V. PARK | CA3500556 | 110 | GW |
| BETABEL RV RESORT | CA3500836 | 49 | GW |
| LOS MADRONES MWC | CA3500578 | 36 | GW |
How San Juan Bautista compares
Full California rankings →San Juan Bautista's score of 65.5/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About San Juan Bautista, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Juan Bautista's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Benito
Frequently asked questions
Is San Juan Bautista, CA tap water safe to drink?
San Juan Bautista's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #543 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in San Juan Bautista's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is San Juan Bautista'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 Juan Bautista?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Juan Bautista's water come from?
San Juan Bautista's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,530 residents.
What health violations has San Juan Bautista's water system had?
San Juan Bautista has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is San Juan Bautista's groundwater at risk of contamination?
San Juan Bautista 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 78 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 San Juan Bautista's water compare to other cities?
San Juan Bautista ranks #543 out of 694 cities in California (better than 22% of state cities) and #11505 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.