Water Quality in Alameda, CA: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 55/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Alameda's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
For households in Alameda, CA, the EPA compliance record offers a straightforward finding: 1 water system are on file, zero violations documented across the entire dataset, and no regulatory actions have been taken against any local utility under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in any reporting period covered by available SDWIS data.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alameda
Water quality varies across Alameda's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94501 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 94502 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Alameda, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Alameda. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Alameda's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Alameda is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 74% of homes built before 1986, Alameda has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Alameda is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Alameda
Alameda is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,442,800 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Alameda
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Alameda vs. Nearby California Cities
How Alameda's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | C | 0 | 1 | 1,442,800 |
| Albany | C | 0 | 1 | 1,442,800 |
| Berkeley | C | 0 | 1 | 1,442,800 |
| El Cerrito | C | 0 | 1 | 1,442,800 |
Common Questions About Alameda Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alameda, California:
Is Alameda water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alameda's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alameda tap water? Alameda's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Alameda? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alameda vs. California Average
Understanding how Alameda compares to the broader California average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Alameda.
ZIP Codes in Alameda
Alameda spans 2 ZIP codes. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.