San Francisco Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for San Francisco residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At just 60 ppm (3.5 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
3.5 GPG hardness
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is San Francisco Tap Water Safe to Drink?
San Francisco tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
6 contaminants were tested in San Francisco's water. 3 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfectants — Chloramine is at 2.6 ppm — 65% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Lasts longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramine. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Chromium (VI) at 0.1 ppb (1% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.3 ppm (15% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the San Francisco area.
Based on publicly available data from SFPUC 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
San Francisco tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
How San Francisco Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
4.9 ppb
72% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
60 ppm
53% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is San Francisco Water?
60 ppm
3.5 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)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 8.4–106 ppm
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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
Lead Test Results
Lead testing data is currently unavailable for San Francisco. Contact your local water utility for the most recent test results.
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: 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”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Other Detected Contaminants
6 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0.1 ppb Range: 0-0.2 | 10 ppb Goal: 0.02 ppb | Safe 1% of limit | |
0.3 ppm Range: 0-0.8 | 2 ppm Goal: 1 ppm | Safe 15% of limit | |
Nitrate (as N) | 0 ppm Range: 0-0.4 ND | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe |
2.6 ppm Range: 0.1-3.5 | 4 ppm | Caution 65% of limit | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/10 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/10 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | 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 maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides San Francisco's Water?
Utility Name
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA3810001
Population Served
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Francisco tap water quality
Nearby Cities in CA
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: SFPUC 2024 Annual Water Quality Report (2024) • View report