Carnelian Bay, CA: 1 Health Violation — 79/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in CA, Carnelian Bay scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Carnelian Bay Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Carnelian Bay Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0041 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 76% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.13.
Who Supplies Your Water in Carnelian Bay
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Carnelian Bay, CA's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Carnelian Bay, California (population ~1,099), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 11,938 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Carnelian Bay: B (79/100)
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
Carnelian Bay water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0041 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96140 | B | 4 | 1 | Fulton Water Company |
All ZIP Codes in Carnelian Bay
- 96140 [B] — 4 violations ⚠
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 Carnelian Bay
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
Top Contaminants in Carnelian Bay Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Carnelian Bay
With 76% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Carnelian Bay's median build year of 1975 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Carnelian Bay 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 Carnelian Bay Homeowners
The household financial picture for Carnelian Bay homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Carnelian Bay are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Carnelian Bay
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 76% pre-rule share in Carnelian Bay keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Carnelian Bay
Flood risk in Carnelian Bay occupies the middle ground: 2 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Carnelian Bay has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $914 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>$1,900</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Carnelian Bay, CA