ZIP Code 93109 Water Quality & Testing Report
Santa Barbara, CA ยท Santa Barbara County County ยท Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (63/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 3.2 ppb lead. While treated by City of Santa Barbara Water Department, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair โ Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
1
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 1 unresolved violation. Contact City of Santa Barbara Water Department for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 93109
Tap water in ZIP code 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA) is distributed by City of Santa Barbara Water Department (EPA ID: CA4210010), serving approximately 98,872 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 63/100.
Water System
City of Santa Barbara Water Department
EPA ID: CA4210010
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
98,872 residents
County
Santa Barbara County County, California
Lead Levels in ZIP 93109
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 3.2 ppb โ Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 93109 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 59% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 93109 is Hard (127 mg/L / 7.4 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: City of Santa Barbara Water Department ยท PWSID: CA4210010
Violation History
Past 5 years โ EPA SDWIS data
City of Santa Barbara Water Department has recorded 1 violation, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 1 violation remains unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Moderate based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 93109 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Total Trihalomethanes (44 ฮผg/L); Threshold Odor Number (622 units); Turbidity, Laboratory (948 NTU); Specific Conductance (948 ฮผmhos/cm); Chloride (269 mg/L)
โ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy โ indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 โ highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 93109
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 93109 served by City of Santa Barbara Water Department can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- โขTest for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- โขTest for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- โขSend samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by California State Water Resources Control Board.
๐ก What Should You Do? โ ZIP 93109 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns โ take precautions
- โ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
- โ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula โ use certified bottled or filtered water
- โ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
- โ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions โ ZIP 93109 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 93109?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 93109?+
Should I test private well water in 93109?+
What is the lead level in 93109 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 93109?+
Who provides tap water to 93109?+
What water filter should I use in 93109?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 93109 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Santa Barbara Water Department. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data โ