WaterQ
California State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Oakland tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
A

Mostly yes — Oakland scores 96/100.

Safety Score
96
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Oakland?

Read Decision Guide →

Oakland

California

View California state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Oakland tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Oakland scores 96/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Oakland. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 03:30 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Oakland.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Oakland?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Filter or no filter for Oakland water? Here's what the data says.

Baby Formula Safety

What new parents in Oakland should know about tap water safety.

Homebuyer's Perspective

Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to Oakland, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. The high safety score (96/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Nitrite levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Oakland

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
8
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Oakland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oakland tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Oakland scores 96/100.

How many water systems serve Oakland?

Oakland is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Oakland?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Oakland.

What is the water quality score for Oakland?

The water quality score for Oakland is 96 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Oakland?

The top contaminants detected in Oakland include Nitrite, Chromium (Total), Arsenic. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
96/100
Grade
A
Water Systems
2
Population
1.4M

Oakland Water Quality Summary

Oakland, CA receives a water quality score of 96/100 (Grade A) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.

Oakland's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Oakland's score of 96 is 6 points above the California state average of 90, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For residents and prospective homebuyers in this large West Coast city, the local tap water consistently achieves excellent quality marks. Oakland relies on a pair of distinct water systems to serve its population, navigating the complex environmental challenges of a major Californian urban center. Given the region's varied geology and proximity to Central Valley agricultural activity, maintaining such high standards represents a reassuring benefit for everyday households.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our California water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Nitrite
0.6448 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L
Chromium (Total)
61.4018 / 100 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 100 μg/L
Arsenic
4.5805 / 10 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 10 μg/L
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
0.0018 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Radium-226
1.6055 / 5 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 5 pCi/L
Chloramine
1.1919 / 4 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 4 mg/L
Turbidity
0.2522 / 1 NTU
0 NTU MCL: 1 NTU
Total Coliform
0 / 0 presence
0 presence MCL: 0 presence

Get notified if Oakland's water quality changes

Free email alert when the EPA reports a new violation or boil-water advisory for your water system. No spam — just the alerts you asked for.

By subscribing you agree to receive occasional water-quality alert emails. Unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Water Systems Serving Oakland (1)

Related

Compare Oakland water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality