Is Santa Monica Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

Yes, tap water in Santa Monica is safe to drink for most people. The city’s water is treated, regularly tested, and required to meet California and federal drinking water standards.

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Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

Some residents may notice chlorine or mineral tastes, which do not usually indicate a health risk. If your home has older plumbing, use cold water for drinking and cooking, since lead can come from household pipes or fixtures rather than the city’s treated water.

Last checked: 2026-08-31

United States is ranked as number 15 globally with a score of 96.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in Santa Monica, United States

Santa Monica’s tap water comes primarily from local groundwater pumped from wells in the Santa Monica Groundwater Basin. The city treats this water before it enters the distribution system.

When local groundwater supplies are insufficient, Santa Monica supplements them with imported water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through the West Basin Municipal Water District. This imported water originates mainly from the Colorado River and the State Water Project.

Santa Monica Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Santa Monica are generally safe to use because they receive treated municipal water that meets California and federal drinking-water standards. Fountains operated by public agencies are routinely maintained and cleaned.

Do not use a fountain that is visibly dirty, damaged, or has discolored water, and let the water run briefly before drinking. People with weakened immune systems may prefer bottled or filtered water as an extra precaution.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Santa Monica. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.

Nearby Places

About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.

I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.

Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Santa Monica is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.