Groundwater in Santa Barbara County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, radon, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels throughout the county's water system.
Santa Barbara County sits on mixed rock types that naturally release these minerals and elements into groundwater as water passes through. Arsenic, uranium, and radon come from the rock itself. Sulfate, chloride, and high sodium levels build up because water moves slowly through the ground and minerals accumulate over time. Nitrate enters from agriculture and septic systems in areas with active farming.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high levels of sodium, sulfate, and total dissolved solids that make the water mineral-rich and salty. The slow movement of water through Santa Barbara County's rock creates conditions where minerals concentrate rather than flush away. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Santa Barbara County can contain arsenic, lead, uranium, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium can cause cancer and damage to kidneys and bones over time. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in.
The water in many county wells is very hard and contains high levels of salt and sulfate. Hard water leaves white scale on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes, and it makes soap less effective. Iron in the water can cause orange or brown staining on sinks and laundry. The salty, mineral-heavy water can taste unpleasant. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
We recommend getting your well tested right away. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and bacteria costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include water softeners for hardness and activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters for arsenic and other contaminants.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 21 | 86% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 3143 | 55% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 6690 | 51% | High | High | |
| Iron | 4141 | 28% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 9860 | 21% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 4628 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 459 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 272 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 125 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 5921 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Boron | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Chromium (total) | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2025 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Perchlorate | 10 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 161 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Tds | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 7517 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 6706 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 7850 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 161 | — | High | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
Loading recent water news…