Water Resources Laboratory

Water Quality Analysis

Analysis of wastewater, drinking water, creek and ocean water are conducted or coordinated by the City’s laboratory. Tests performed follow protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency as required by state and federal laws. The EPA established testing procedures with the intent to protect public and environmental health and safety.

Drinking Water Analysis

The lab routinely tests drinking water at the source and throughout the distribution system to ensure that water quality goals are met. The facility uses advanced equipment for the analysis of trace metals, inorganics and organic contaminants and other important parameters established by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The City does not add fluoride to the drinking water. 

Learn More about Water Sources
View Drinking Water Quality Reports

Wastewater

Wastewater analyses are performed each day at various stages of treatment including analysis for heavy metals, bacteria, oil and grease, solids, and biochemical oxygen demand (a measure of waste strength).

Creek & Ocean Water Quality

The City has an entire division dedicated to creek restoration and water quality improvement. Established in 2001, the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division has completed a variety of creek restoration and water quality improvement projects, continues to educate the community about creek and ocean water quality and local watersheds, and conducts an extensive creek and ocean water quality monitoring program.

The County of Santa Barbara Environmental Health Services conducts weekly beach water quality monitoring from Guadalupe Dunes to Carpinteria State Beach. For more information about the County's Ocean Monitoring Program please visit County of Santa Barbara Ocean Monitoring Program.