Browns Valley, CA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Browns Valley's water quality grade in CA reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Browns Valley Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Browns Valley Water
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
Who Supplies Your Water in Browns Valley
Residential addresses in Browns Valley, CA are served by 2 primary water providers out of 2 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Browns Valley, California (population ~1,842), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,932 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Browns Valley — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Browns Valley: C (63/100)
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
Browns Valley water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Browns Valley
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95918 | C | North Yuba Water District | 2,772 |
All ZIP Codes in Browns Valley
- 95918 [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 Browns Valley
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 Browns Valley
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Tap water lead levels are shaped by two factors: what the utility delivers, and what the household plumbing adds to it. Older homes contribute disproportionately to that second variable because lead solder was standard in copper plumbing before 1986, and lead pipes were common before 1970. In Browns Valley, where the median build year is 1997, a substantial share of the housing stock falls into these older categories. The bar chart above breaks out the pre-1970, 1970-to-1986, and post-1986 segments — the key ages for understanding where plumbing-era risk concentrates across the city.
Most homes in Browns Valley were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Browns Valley Homeowners
Within the Browns Valley market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Browns Valley are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 22% below the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Browns Valley
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 36% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Browns Valley.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Browns Valley
Flood exposure in Browns Valley is meaningful by NFIP measures — 3 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Browns Valley has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $3,313 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Browns Valley
- 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 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Browns Valley, CA