Big Bear Lake, CA Home Safety: Home Safety 58/100
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Big Bear Lake: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Big Bear Lake lands in the middle of the grade scale in CA; EPA records can differ from one service area to the next.
How Big Bear Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for Big Bear Lake Residents
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 71% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 11.58.
Big Bear Lake's Water Providers
The 3 largest of 4 systems connected with Big Bear Lake, CA are listed below.
- C
- C
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Bear Lake, California (population ~5,215), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 43,046 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Bear Lake: C (58/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
Big Bear Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 2.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92315 | C | Big Bear Lake Dwp - Big Bear System | 26,132 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Bear Lake
- 92315 [C]
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Big Bear Lake Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Big Bear Lake Infrastructure Age
With 71% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead can reach tap water from service lines, solder and brass fittings inside a building, which is why housing age draws attention in Big Bear Lake, where the median build year is 1973.
Over half of homes in Big Bear Lake were built before 1986, when federal law began restricting lead solder in drinking-water plumbing. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Big Bear Lake
Because the median home value in Big Bear Lake is large relative to the estimated cost of remediation, the ratio between them stays at or below 1%; that is a statement about two area-level numbers, not a quote for a particular house or a judgment about what an owner can pay.
Estimated remediation costs in Big Bear Lake can be compared with local home values. The $300–$800 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 27% below the California average.
Big Bear Lake: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Big Bear Lake: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for Big Bear Lake contains 15 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $27,570. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 0% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. The $500 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Big Bear Lake
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Check the certification, price and turnaround time of any water test kit or lab service.
- Install a certified water filter. Choose a pitcher or under-sink filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 71% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Bear Lake, CA