Water Quality in Novato, CA: 10 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Novato'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
EPA monitoring has flagged 10 reportable events for water systems in Novato, CA.
Water Quality Map: Novato, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Novato
Water quality varies across Novato's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94947 | C | 56 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
| 94945 | C | 61 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
| 94949 | C | 66 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
| 94948 | C | 68 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
| 94998 | C | 68 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Novato, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Novato have accumulated 10 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 63,992 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Novato'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Novato water systems is 0.0130 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 74% of homes built before 1986, Novato 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.
Water Systems Serving Novato
Novato is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 63,992 people across 5 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 Novato
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
Contaminants Detected in Novato Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Novato's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Novato vs. Nearby California Cities
How Novato's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novato | C | 10 | 3 | 63,992 |
| Laguna Beach | A | 0 | 3 | 63,469 |
| Woodland | B | 4 | 5 | 64,753 |
| La Habra | A | 0 | 1 | 63,118 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Novato
Water quality varies across Novato's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94947 | 56 | C | 2 | 1 |
| 94945 | 61 | C | 2 | 1 |
| 94949 | 66 | C | 2 | 1 |
| 94948 | 68 | C | 2 | 1 |
| 94998 | 68 | C | 2 | 1 |
Common Questions About Novato Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Novato, California:
Is Novato water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Novato's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Novato tap water? Novato's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Novato? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Novato vs. California Average
Understanding how Novato 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 Novato.
ZIP Codes in Novato
Novato spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 94945. 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.