Chico, CA: 24 Health Violations — 83/100 (2026)
6 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Chico tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for CA — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Chico Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Chico, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Chico.
Chico Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 24 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0007 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.05 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Chico
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Chico, CA — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 6 ZIP codes in Chico, California, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 117,653 people.
6 of 6 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 24 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chico: B (83/100)
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
Chico water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0007 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 6 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 21 | 6 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 7 | 6 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95926 | A | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
| 95927 | A | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
| 95928 | B | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
| 95929 | A | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
| 95973 | B | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
| 95976 | A | 4 | 4 | Del Oro Water Company-paradise Pines |
All ZIP Codes in Chico
- 95926 [A] — 4 violations ⚠
- 95927 [A] — 4 violations ⚠
- 95928 [B] — 4 violations ⚠
- 95929 [A] — 4 violations ⚠
- 95973 [B] — 4 violations ⚠
- 95976 [A] — 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.
CDC Health Data for Chico
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Chico
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Chico: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Chico market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Chico are relatively low compared to home values. The $967–$2,917 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 35% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Chico
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.
Lead risk in Chico appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Chico
Chico's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 206 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Chico has a moderate flood history with 206 FEMA claims averaging $19,359 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>$1,600</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Chico, CA