Is Saugus, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.7/100
waterverge.com Saugus, CA — Water Quality Report
Saugus's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 730 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 18 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saugus's water
Saugus ranks #86 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Saugus 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, Saugus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saugus, CA water safe to drink?
Saugus's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 730 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saugus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saugus's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
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: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saugus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saugus's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Los Angeles County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Saugus's water come from?
Saugus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 730 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Saugus residents can do
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.
Saugus'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
Flood & disaster history
Los Angeles County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saugus compares by contaminant
Explore where Saugus ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saugus's water comes from
Saugus'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 private ownership and serves approximately 730 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Saugus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LILY OF THE VALLEY MOBILE VILLAGE | CA1900913 | 657 | GW |
| LOS ANGELES, CITY OF - POWER PLANT #2 | CA1900542 | 44 | SW |
| LOS ANGELES, CITY OF - POWER PLANT #1 | CA1900555 | 29 | SW |
How Saugus compares
Full California rankings →Saugus's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saugus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Los Angeles
Frequently asked questions
Is Saugus, CA tap water safe to drink?
Saugus's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #86 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Saugus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Saugus'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 Saugus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saugus's water come from?
Saugus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 730 residents.
What health violations has Saugus's water system had?
Saugus has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Saugus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saugus 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 18 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 Saugus's water compare to other cities?
Saugus ranks #86 out of 694 cities in California (better than 88% of state cities) and #1158 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.