Record-only indicator: A
Not a safety rating. Missing or old measurements can produce a high score.
Coverage: 5/6 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 0/6 have copper results; 1/6 have UCMR monitoring.
| Contaminant | Reported value or bound | Historical comparison value | Interpretation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
190.0 ppbPeriod end: 12/31/2025
|
15 ppb | Largest reported value or bound among mapped systems; not necessarily the largest actual concentration. | Above comparison value |
Public-record summary
Record-only indicator — incomplete or old records can produce a high score. A score of 100 is not a safety finding. Coverage: 5/6 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 0/6 have copper results; 1/6 have UCMR monitoring. Tap water quality in Santa Barbara, California (93105) receives an record-only indicator of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 100 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 8 points above the California state average of 92. The area is served by 6 water systems providing water to approximately 99,323 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.
Grade A summarizes the records available to this model, not household safety. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score, including 100. Review coverage, dates and the current utility report before interpreting this indicator.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
The record-only indicator is A (100/100). It cannot determine whether your tap water is safe. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score. Check the coverage and sampling dates below and your utility's current notices.
ZIP code 93105 is served by 6 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 99,323 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.
The largest reported lead value or bound is 190.0 ppb, for the sampling period ending 12/31/2025. This is a system-level 90th-percentile record, not a measurement at your tap. Compare the sampling date and original utility report before interpreting it.
No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Santa Barbara, California during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.
Water systems serving Santa Barbara, California have zero violations in the last 5 years. No recorded violation does not establish compliance or tap-water safety; records may be delayed or incomplete.
This public-record indicator cannot select household treatment. Confirm your supplier, current utility report and tap-testing results first; match any treatment to a certified contaminant-reduction claim and follow its maintenance instructions.
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