Is Saratoga, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Saratoga, CA — Water Quality Report
Saratoga's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,019 residents using surface water.
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 75 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saratoga's water
Saratoga ranks #309 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
As a small community water system, Saratoga may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saratoga, CA water safe to drink?
Saratoga's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,019 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Saratoga
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saratoga's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
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.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saratoga's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saratoga's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Guadalupe R, Saratoga C A Saratoga.
Where does Saratoga's water come from?
Saratoga's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,019 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Guadalupe R (river), Saratoga C A Saratoga (river).
What Saratoga residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saratoga'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.
Saratoga'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 Saratoga
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saratoga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURKE INDUSTRIES INC SAN JOSE, CA95112 | Zinc compounds | 8 | 9.9 mi |
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP SUNNYVALE, CA94086 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 3 | 7.6 mi |
HILL BROTHERS CHEMICAL CO SAN JOSE, CA95131 | Ammonia | 3 | 10.0 mi |
TTM TECHNOLOGIES N.A. LLC SANTA CLARA, CA95050 | Copper compounds | 1 | 8.1 mi |
SIERRA CIRCUITS INC (DBA SIERRA PROTO EXPRESS) SUNNYVALE, CA94086 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Saratoga
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.
- INTERSIL INC SIEMENS COMPONENTS4.9 mi
- NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP7.5 mi
- WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP SUNNYVALE PLANT7.6 mi
- INTEL MAGNETICS7.8 mi
- ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC7.9 mi
+ 10 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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saratoga compares by contaminant
Explore where Saratoga ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saratoga's water comes from
Saratoga'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,019 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Saratoga
Saratoga is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Saratoga
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMP SARATOGA | CA4300834 | 450 | SW |
| SARATOGA HEIGHTS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA4300545 | 258 | SWP |
| MT. EDEN MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA4300831 | 165 | SWP |
| OAK DELL PARK | CA4300603 | 104 | GW |
| MARIA LANE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA4300752 | 42 | GW |
How Saratoga compares
Full California rankings →Saratoga's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Saratoga, CA
Wikipedia →Saratoga is a city in Santa Clara County, California, United States. Located in Silicon Valley, in the southern Bay Area, it had a population of 31,051 at the 2020 census. Saratoga is known for its wineries, restaurants, and historic landmarks like Villa Montalvo, Mountain Winery, and Hakone Gardens.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saratoga's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Santa Clara
Frequently asked questions
Is Saratoga, CA tap water safe to drink?
Saratoga's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #309 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Saratoga's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Saratoga'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 Saratoga?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saratoga's water come from?
Saratoga's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,019 residents.
What health violations has Saratoga's water system had?
Saratoga has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Saratoga's water compare to other cities?
Saratoga ranks #309 out of 694 cities in California (better than 55% of state cities) and #6459 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.