Buellton, California Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Central Coast Water Authority
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Buellton tap water has 11 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Arsenic. Additionally, 10 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Arsenic.
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 36.20 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 52.50 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Arsenic carcinogen | 1.05 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 14.10 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 20.10 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 5.40 ppb | 0.03 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 6.65 ppb | 0.20 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Trichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 2.28 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Bromoform carcinogen | 9.91 ppb | 0.50 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 7.86 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.05 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Aluminum | 28.10 ppb | 600 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.05 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 10.80 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monobromoacetic acid | 0.29 ppb | 25 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monochloroacetic acid | 0.25 ppb | 53 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Arsenic carcinogen
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.
Bromodichloromethane carcinogen
Bromodichloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct that damages liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal carcinogenicity data.
Dibromochloromethane carcinogen
Dibromochloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) that may increase cancer risk and cause liver and kidney damage with chronic exposure at elevated levels.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Buellton tap water safe to drink?
Buellton tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 11 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 10 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Buellton water?
A total of 16 contaminants were detected in Buellton tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Of these, 11 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Buellton?
For Buellton tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Buellton get its water?
Buellton tap water is provided by Central Coast Water Authority, serving approximately 646,441 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
