Water Quality in San Rafael, CA: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
San Rafael'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
Federal EPA data for San Rafael, CA shows no violations on record — 2 systems, all clear.
Water Quality Map: San Rafael, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in San Rafael
Water quality varies across San Rafael's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 94903 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 94912 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 94913 | B | 73 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 94915 | B | 73 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
San Rafael, 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).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving San Rafael. 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. San Rafael'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 San Rafael is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, San Rafael 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 San Rafael
San Rafael is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 61,991 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 San Rafael
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
San Rafael vs. Nearby California Cities
How San Rafael's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael | C | 0 | 2 | 61,991 |
| Monterey Park | B | 6 | 1 | 62,183 |
| Petaluma | A | 12 | 4 | 61,570 |
| Pittsburg | B | 0 | 1 | 62,500 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in San Rafael
Water quality varies across San Rafael's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 94903 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 94912 | 66 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 94913 | 73 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 94915 | 73 | B | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About San Rafael Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in San Rafael, California:
Is San Rafael water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. San Rafael's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink San Rafael tap water? San Rafael's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for San Rafael? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
San Rafael vs. California Average
Understanding how San Rafael 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 San Rafael.
ZIP Codes in San Rafael
San Rafael spans 5 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.