Beckwourth, CA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Beckwourth ranks below average for tap water safety in CA — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Beckwourth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Beckwourth Water
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.29 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Beckwourth
Consolidated water delivery characterizes Beckwourth, CA: among 1 system in federal records, one utility holds the dominant service position — carrying the rate-setting authority, the infrastructure obligations, and the EPA reporting burden for most residential addresses.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Beckwourth, California (population ~411), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,100 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Beckwourth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Beckwourth: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Beckwourth water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Beckwourth
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96129 | D | CITY OF PORTOLA | 2,100 |
All ZIP Codes in Beckwourth
- 96129 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Beckwourth
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Beckwourth
With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Beckwourth, where the median build year is 1951, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Beckwourth were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Beckwourth Homeowners
When remediation costs are measured against Beckwourth home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Beckwourth are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 58% below the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Beckwourth
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 60% of Beckwourth stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Beckwourth
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Beckwourth, CA