Sacramento Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Sacramento tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 57.3 ppm (3.4 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
3.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Sacramento Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Sacramento tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
8 contaminants were tested in Sacramento's water. 6 were detected — all within EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFHxS (Perfluorohexane Sulfonate) is at 5.8 ppt — 58% of the EPA limit (10 ppt). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A "forever chemical" used as a replacement for PFOS in firefighting foams and industrial applications. May affect thyroid function, the immune system, and liver health.
→ A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFHxS levels.
Lead — Lead (0 ppb) is well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 520K people in the Sacramento area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Sacramento water, though within EPA limits. An activated carbon or RO filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How Hard is Sacramento Water?
57.3 ppm
3.4 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 69 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Sacramento tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Sacramento
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0 ppb
Sacramento lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA standards.
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHXA | 3.95 ppt Range: 0-5.7 UCMR5 - 4/111 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 4.7 ppt Range: 0-7.1 UCMR5 - 5/111 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 4.7 ppt Range: 0-4.7 UCMR5 - 1/111 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 3.95 ppt Range: 0-5.7 UCMR5 - 4/111 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHxS | 5.8 ppt Range: 0-5.8 UCMR5 - 1/111 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 58% of limit |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/111 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/111 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 4.7 ppt Range: 0-7.1 UCMR5 - 5/111 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Sacramento's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF SACRAMENTO MAIN
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA3410020
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
520K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sacramento tap water quality
Nearby Cities in California
Los Angeles
Hard water
East Bay
Very Hard water
San Diego
Very Hard water
San Jose
Very Hard water
California
Hard water
Eastern Municipal Wd
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()