Dobbins, CA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 58/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Dobbins, CA reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Dobbins Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Dobbins Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.75 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,780 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.95.
Water Systems Serving Dobbins
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Dobbins, CA's residential water connections out of 2 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 Dobbins, California (population ~564), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,832 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dobbins — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dobbins: C (58/100)
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
Dobbins water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.7500 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95935 | C | North Yuba Water District | 2,772 |
All ZIP Codes in Dobbins
- 95935 [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.
CDC Health Data for Dobbins
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 Old Is Dobbins's Housing Stock?
With 43% 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
The story of Dobbins's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1981 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Dobbins 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.
Dobbins: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Dobbins is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Dobbins. The estimated $2,920–$6,740 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 45% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Dobbins
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.
43% of Dobbins housing dates from the era before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction, and aggregate sampling has moved past the regulatory threshold. The two indicators together place tap-water testing and a certified filter at a household-tier priority.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Dobbins
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Dobbins has accumulated 1 claim — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Dobbins has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 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>$4,780</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 Dobbins
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dobbins, CA