Is Seaside, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Seaside, CA — Water Quality Report
Seaside's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Seaside's water
Seaside ranks #214 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Seaside 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.
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 small community water system, Seaside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Seaside, CA water safe to drink?
Seaside's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Seaside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Seaside's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Seaside's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Seaside's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Carmel R Nr Carmel, Salinas R Nr Spreckels, Reclamation Ditch Nr Salinas.
Where does Seaside's water come from?
Seaside's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Carmel R Nr Carmel (river), Salinas R Nr Spreckels (river), Reclamation Ditch Nr Salinas (stream).
What Seaside 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Seaside'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 Seaside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Seaside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANITE ROCK CO MONTEREY BRANCH BR341 SEASIDE, CA93955 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
FUJIFILM ELECTRONIC MATERIALS USA INC. CASTROVILLE, CA95012 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Seaside
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.
- FORT ORD3.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Monterey County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Seaside's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Seaside compares by contaminant
Explore where Seaside ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Seaside's water comes from
Seaside'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 3,150 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Seaside
Seaside is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Seaside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEASIDE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | CA2710018 | 2,800 | GW |
| SUNSET WEST COMMUNITY LLC | CA1000378 | 350 | GW |
How Seaside compares
Full California rankings →Seaside's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Seaside, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Seaside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monterey
Frequently asked questions
Is Seaside, CA tap water safe to drink?
Seaside's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #214 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Seaside's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Seaside'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 Seaside?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Seaside's water come from?
Seaside's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has Seaside's water system had?
Seaside has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Seaside's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Seaside 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 13 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 Seaside's water compare to other cities?
Seaside ranks #214 out of 694 cities in California (better than 69% of state cities) and #4203 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.