Sacramento – California – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Sacramento’s Department of Utilities provides comprehensive water services to approximately 1.5 million residents across California’s capital city and surrounding areas. The municipal utility operates an extensive distribution system encompassing over 1,600 miles of water mains, advanced treatment facilities, and strategic groundwater wells that deliver an average of 80 million gallons of drinking water daily to Sacramento’s diverse urban and suburban communities.
Sacramento sources its drinking water from multiple sources for enhanced reliability: approximately 80% comes from surface water drawn from both the Sacramento River and American River, while the remaining 20% comes from groundwater wells strategically located throughout the city. Surface water is treated at two major facilities – the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant near I-5 and Richards Boulevard, and the E.A. Fairbairn Water Treatment Plant near Sacramento State on the American River. Sacramento’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, though the growing metropolitan area faces ongoing challenges with infrastructure modernization, emerging contaminants like PFAS, and water supply resilience planning for future growth through the ambitious Water+ project.
Sacramento Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Sacramento conducts extensive water quality testing for over 100 potential contaminants annually across the distribution system, maintaining compliance with EPA and California State Water Resources Control Board regulations.
- Treatment Capacity: The city’s two major water treatment plants collectively produce an average of 80 million gallons of drinking water daily, with plans to expand capacity to 410 MGD by 2050 through the Water+ project.
- Compliance Status: Sacramento’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, with ongoing monitoring for emerging contaminants including PFAS compounds as new EPA regulations take effect.
Water Sources
- Sacramento River: Primary surface water source providing treated water through the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant, drawing from California’s longest river system that collects water from far northern California.
- American River: Secondary surface water source supplying the E.A. Fairbairn Water Treatment Plant, sourced primarily from Sierra Nevada snowmelt stored in Folsom Lake and regulated by Folsom Dam.
- Groundwater Wells: Strategic groundwater facilities including the new Shasta Groundwater Treatment Facility producing up to 4 million gallons daily, with wells extending 1,200 feet below ground to access high-quality aquifer water.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant: Features multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorine disinfection, with planned integration of ozone treatment to reduce disinfection byproducts.
- E.A. Fairbairn Water Treatment Plant: Utilizes comprehensive treatment processes including grit removal, particle aggregation, settling tanks, anthracite and sand filtration, and chemical disinfection for exceptional water quality.
- Groundwater Treatment: The Shasta Groundwater Treatment Facility employs advanced filtration and treatment systems for deep aquifer water, including chlorine treatment and 4-million gallon storage capacity.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Water+ Project: Ambitious $2+ billion modernization initiative planned to double Sacramento River treatment plant capacity, integrate ozone treatment, and improve infrastructure resilience through 2050.
- Distribution System Upgrades: Ongoing replacement and modernization of over 1,600 miles of water distribution lines, with priority given to aging infrastructure and areas requiring improved water pressure.
- Supply Diversification: Recent activation of the Shasta Groundwater Treatment Facility in 2023 enhances system reliability and provides additional drought resilience for Sacramento’s growing population.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Sacramento’s Department of Utilities maintains transparent communication through regular water quality reports and customer notifications, particularly regarding emerging contaminants like PFAS where monitoring and treatment strategies are evolving. The utility offers conservation rebate programs including incentives for efficient toilets, washing machines, rain barrels, and smart irrigation controllers to help customers reduce water usage while maintaining service reliability. Sacramento’s commitment to water quality includes proactive planning for future challenges through the Water+ project, ensuring sustainable and safe drinking water for current and future generations while addressing climate variability and population growth in California’s Central Valley.
Recommendations for Sacramento Residents
Monitor Water Quality
Stay informed about Sacramento’s water quality through annual Consumer Confidence Reports and quarterly updates. Contact the Department of Utilities at (916) 808-5454 for water quality questions or concerns about taste, odor, or pressure issues.
Take Advantage of Rebates
Apply for Sacramento’s water conservation rebate programs including up to $125 for high-efficiency toilets, $125 for Energy Star washing machines, $150 for rain barrels, and $100 for greywater systems. Visit the city’s utilities website for current offerings.
Consider Home Filtration
While Sacramento’s water meets all standards, homes with older plumbing or specific taste preferences may benefit from NSF-certified filters. Consider activated carbon filters for chlorine taste/odor reduction or reverse osmosis systems for comprehensive treatment.
Practice Water Conservation
Follow California’s water conservation guidelines and Sacramento’s permanent water efficiency measures. Participate in Cash for Grass programs offered by Sacramento County Water Agency and install drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce outdoor water usage.
Report Water Issues
Contact Sacramento Department of Utilities Customer Service at (916) 808-5454 or email utilitiescs@cityofsacramento.org for water main breaks, service issues, or quality concerns. Report problems promptly to help maintain system integrity and public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacramento’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Sacramento’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from the Sacramento and American Rivers (80%) and groundwater wells (20%), all of which undergo comprehensive treatment processes.
Sacramento conducts extensive testing for over 100 potential contaminants annually. The treatment processes at both the Sacramento River and E.A. Fairbairn water treatment plants include multiple barriers against contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated through transparent reporting and proactive monitoring for emerging contaminants.
Why does my water sometimes taste different?
Taste variations can occur due to several factors in Sacramento’s water system:
1. Seasonal source changes: During different times of year, Sacramento may adjust the proportion of river water versus groundwater, which can create subtle taste differences
2. Groundwater areas: Residents in areas served by the new Shasta Groundwater Treatment Facility may notice a more mineral taste compared to river water
3. Chlorine disinfection: Levels may vary slightly based on system demands and seasonal water quality conditions
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Sacramento Department of Utilities at (916) 808-5454. Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use often helps improve water quality from your tap.
What about lead and copper in Sacramento’s water?
Sacramento follows all EPA Lead and Copper Rule requirements and the new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) that took effect in 2024:
• Service line inventory: Sacramento has completed required service line material inventories and customer notifications as mandated by the 2024 federal regulations
• Corrosion control: The utility maintains optimized water chemistry and pH levels to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing systems
• Regular testing: Sacramento conducts required lead and copper monitoring at high-risk homes throughout the distribution system
• Customer protection: The city provides information and notifications to customers with lead service lines or unknown service line materials
Homes built before 1986 have higher likelihood of containing lead solder in internal plumbing. Residents with concerns can contact the Department of Utilities for guidance on testing and protective measures.
Are there water conservation requirements in Sacramento?
Sacramento follows California’s statewide water conservation regulations and local efficiency measures:
Current Requirements:
• No watering of lawns or landscapes during and 48 hours after precipitation
• No washing of driveways, sidewalks, or vehicles with potable water unless a shut-off nozzle is used
• No water runoff from irrigation onto paved surfaces
Sacramento County Water Agency areas:
Some areas served by Sacramento County Water Agency may have additional restrictions. Check with your specific water provider for local requirements.
Rebate Programs:
Sacramento offers various rebates for efficient fixtures, appliances, and drought-tolerant landscaping to help customers reduce water usage while maintaining service.
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter source waters and groundwater supplies
Health Effects: Research indicates potential health impacts including effects on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers
Current Status: Sacramento is monitoring PFAS levels as EPA’s 2024 regulations require initial testing by 2027 and compliance by 2029. Water test results from 2024 show some PFAS detection above EPA limits EPA Limits: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, with Hazard Index of 1 for PFAS mixtures
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in river water; may vary seasonally based on source water quality
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Monitored quarterly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels. Sacramento’s Water+ project includes ozone treatment integration to reduce formation EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
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