Branscomb, CA Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Branscomb shows moderate tap water quality for CA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Branscomb Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Branscomb Water
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 13.81 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Branscomb
Supply infrastructure in Branscomb, CA runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Branscomb, California (population ~208), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,152 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Branscomb — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Branscomb: C (66/100)
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
Branscomb water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Branscomb
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95417 | C | LAYTONVILLE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 1,152 |
All ZIP Codes in Branscomb
- 95417 [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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Branscomb
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 Branscomb
With 68% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Branscomb — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1901 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Branscomb 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Branscomb
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Branscomb have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 68% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Branscomb
- 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 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Branscomb, CA