Water Quality in Santa Barbara, CA: 17 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Santa Barbara'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
Looking at EPA compliance data for Santa Barbara, CA, the record shows 17 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality Map: Santa Barbara, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Santa Barbara
Water quality varies across Santa Barbara's 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93108 | D | 53 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93101 | C | 58 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93103 | C | 58 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93105 | C | 58 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93109 | C | 63 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93110 | C | 63 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93106 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93107 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93120 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93121 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93130 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93140 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93150 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93160 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 93190 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Santa Barbara, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Santa Barbara have accumulated 17 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 17 ZIP codes serving approximately 116,466 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Santa Barbara'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 Santa Barbara water systems is 0.0032 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Santa Barbara 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
Santa Barbara is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 116,466 people across 17 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
The EPA has taken 68 enforcement actions against water systems serving Santa Barbara. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Santa Barbara
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 Santa Barbara Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Santa Barbara's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 17 | 17 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Santa Barbara. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-04-16 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-09-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-04-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-01-27 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-04-16.
Santa Barbara vs. Nearby California Cities
How Santa Barbara's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara | C | 17 | 5 | 116,466 |
| Redding | A | 5 | 5 | 116,624 |
| Davis | A | 12 | 3 | 117,113 |
| Antioch | B | 0 | 1 | 115,074 |
Recommended Water Filters for Santa Barbara
Based on contaminants detected in Santa Barbara's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Santa Barbara
Water quality varies across Santa Barbara's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93108 | 53 | D | 1 | 0 |
| 93101 | 58 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93103 | 58 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93105 | 58 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93109 | 63 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93110 | 63 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93106 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93107 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93120 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93121 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93111 | 68 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93102 | 68 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93190 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93160 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 93150 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
Common Questions About Santa Barbara Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Santa Barbara, California:
Is Santa Barbara water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Santa Barbara's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Santa Barbara tap water? Santa Barbara's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Santa Barbara? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Santa Barbara vs. California Average
Understanding how Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.
ZIP Codes in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara spans 17 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93101. 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.