Santa Barbara, CA: 17 Violations — 63/100 (2026)
17 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drilling into federal monitoring figures for Santa Barbara in CA, the pattern is middle-of-the-road — some utilities have documented MCL exceedances or treatment technique violations in recent years, while others have operated without a single flag, making the city's grade a genuine average rather than a rounded-down high.
How Santa Barbara Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Santa Barbara, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 17 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0032 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,894 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.9.
Water Systems Serving Santa Barbara
Water supply in Santa Barbara, CA follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 7 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 17 ZIP codes in Santa Barbara, California (population ~138,319), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 216,924 people region-wide.
17 of 17 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Santa Barbara: C (63/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Santa Barbara water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0032 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 17 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 18 | 17 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93101 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93102 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93103 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93105 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93106 | C | 1 | 0 | Goleta Water District |
| 93107 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93108 | D | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93109 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93110 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
| 93111 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Santa Barbara Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Santa Barbara
- 93101 [C] — 1 violation
- 93102 [C] — 1 violation
- 93103 [C] — 1 violation
- 93105 [C] — 1 violation
- 93106 [C] — 1 violation
- 93107 [C] — 1 violation
- 93108 [D] — 1 violation
- 93109 [C] — 1 violation
- 93110 [C] — 1 violation
- 93111 [C] — 1 violation
- 93120 [C] — 1 violation
- 93121 [C] — 1 violation
- 93130 [C] — 1 violation
- 93140 [C] — 1 violation
- 93150 [C] — 1 violation
- 93160 [C] — 1 violation
- 93190 [C] — 1 violation
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Santa Barbara
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Santa Barbara
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Santa Barbara: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How much of a Santa Barbara home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Santa Barbara are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,259–$2,524 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 103% above the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Santa Barbara
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Santa Barbara appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Santa Barbara
Across the years captured by NFIP data, Santa Barbara has logged 923 flood insurance claims and carries 41% of its ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — a sustained record consistent with high flood exposure. The water quality implications run through several pathways: treatment systems repeatedly stressed by high-volume intake, private wells in FEMA zones facing recurring infiltration risk, and distribution infrastructure that has likely experienced multiple backflow episodes during large events.
Santa Barbara has a significant flood history with 923 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $14,110 per claim. With 41% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,894</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Santa Barbara
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for E. coli can reduce the most common contaminant found in Santa Barbara's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Santa Barbara, CA