Cathedral City, CA Water Safety: 54/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Cathedral City falls below the CA baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Cathedral City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cathedral City Water
- Estimated remediation: $1,650 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.09 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cathedral City
Water delivery in Cathedral City, CA is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Cathedral City, California (population ~52,047), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 344,807 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cathedral City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cathedral City: D (54/100)
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
Cathedral City water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cathedral City
- 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): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92234 | C | DESERT WATER AGENCY | 74,807 |
| 92235 | D | DESERT WATER AGENCY | 74,807 |
All ZIP Codes in Cathedral City
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 Cathedral City
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Cathedral City Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Cathedral City is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Cathedral City are relatively low compared to home values. The $900–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% below the California average.
Flood & Climate Risk in Cathedral City
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Cathedral City falls in moderate-exposure territory — 29 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 50% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Cathedral City has a moderate flood history with 29 FEMA claims averaging $66,518 per payout. 50% 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>$1,650</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 Cathedral City
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cathedral City, CA