Carson, CA Water Safety: 56/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Carson, CA: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Carson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Carson, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Carson's 5 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Carson Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,375 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Carson's Water Providers
Water supply in Carson, CA follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 6 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Carson, California (population ~85,434), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 4,827,509 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Carson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Carson: C (56/100)
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
Carson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Carson
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 1 ZIP code
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90745 | C | TORRANCE-CITY, WATER DEPT. | 106,183 |
| 90746 | C | COMPTON-CITY, WATER DEPT. | 74,877 |
| 90747 | D | COMPTON-CITY, WATER DEPT. | 74,877 |
| 90749 | D | LOS ANGELES-CITY, DEPT. OF WATER & POWER | 3,875,566 |
| 90895 | C | LONG BEACH UTILITIES DEPARTMENT | 466,772 |
All ZIP Codes in Carson
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.
Carson Community Health Snapshot
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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Carson
In Carson, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Carson are relatively low compared to home values. The $625–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% below the California average.
Carson: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood history in Carson spans 47 NFIP claims and 40% flood zone coverage — enough to place it in moderate-exposure territory where flood events are genuinely recurring rather than statistical outliers. That distinction matters for water quality assessment because the connection between flooding and water safety is not uniform across communities. In low-exposure areas, flooding rarely generates the conditions needed to compromise treatment or distribution infrastructure. In high-exposure areas, it can do so repeatedly. Moderate-exposure communities sit in between: flood events occur with enough frequency to make periodic infrastructure stress a reasonable concern, particularly for private well owners and residents in lower-elevation FEMA-designated zones.
Carson has a moderate flood history with 47 FEMA claims averaging $1,444 per payout. 40% 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>$1,375</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 Carson
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Carson, CA