Sacramento Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Sacramento tap water meets EPA standards, 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.
12 contaminants were tested in Sacramento's water. 9 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.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 63 ppb — 79% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 2.3 ppb (23% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.7 ppm (35% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 520K people in the Sacramento area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Sacramento 2024 Consumer Confidence Report - Table 3 Other Parameters (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?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Sacramento water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these.
How Sacramento Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
0 ppb
100% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
138 ppm
Near average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
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)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 15–284 ppm
Based on 69 samples from City of Sacramento 2024 Consumer Confidence Report - Table 3 Other Parameters (2024)
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 below the EPA action level.
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?
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”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chromium (Hexavalent)
47% of EPA limit
Range: 0–7.6 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
12 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
63 ppb Range: 32-74 Highest LRAA 63 ppb; range 32-74 ppb. Surface water (American/Sacramento rivers) with chlorine disinfection generates significant DBPs. Below MCL 80 ppb. | 80 ppb | Caution 79% of limit | |
38 ppb Range: 16-47 Highest LRAA 38 ppb; range 16-47 ppb. Elevated due to surface water organic matter. | 60 ppb | Caution 63% of limit | |
Chlorine (Disinfectant) | 0.8 ppm Range: 0.2-1.4 System avg 0.8 ppm; range 0.2-1.4 ppm. Free chlorine disinfection. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 20% of limit |
2.3 ppb Range: 0-4.3 System avg 2.3 ppb; range ND-4.3 ppb. From groundwater sources. Surface water sources ND. | 10 ppb 0 | Safe 23% of limit | |
Chromium (Hexavalent) | 4.7 ppb Range: 0-7.6 System avg 4.7 ppb; max 7.6 ppb. CA state MCL 10 ppb (federal EPA has no individual Cr-VI MCL). 47-76% of CA MCL. Naturally occurring from geological deposits. | 10 ppb Goal: 0.02 ppb | Safe 47% of limit |
0.7 ppm Range: 0.2-1 Treated water avg 0.7 ppm; range 0.2-1.0 ppm. Fluoride added per CDC optimal level. Source water naturally ND-0.4 ppm. CA MCL 2.0 ppm. | 2 ppm | Safe 35% of limit | |
1.9 ppm Range: 0-4.1 System avg 1.9 ppm; range ND-4.1 ppm. Low, primarily from groundwater. | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 19% of limit | |
Lithium | 0 ppb Range: 0-25.4 System avg ND; max 25.4 ppb detected at some groundwater wells (UCMR5 2023-2024). Surface water sources ND. No EPA MCL. | N/A | Safe |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/111 samples detected. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/111 samples detected. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
5.8 ppt Range: 0-5.8 UCMR5 - 1/111 samples detected. Max 5.8 ppt at a groundwater well. Below EPA MCL 10 ppt. CCR reports max 3.7 ppt in groundwater (different monitoring period). | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 58% of limit | |
PFPeA | 4.7 ppt Range: 0-7.1 UCMR5 - 5/111 samples detected. Max 7.1 ppt. No EPA MCL. Primarily in groundwater sources. | 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 maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
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: City of Sacramento 2024 Consumer Confidence Report - Table 3 Other Parameters (2024) • View report