El Monte, CA: 20 Violations — 79/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for El Monte by CA authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How El Monte Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About El Monte Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 20 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Who Supplies Your Water in El Monte
In El Monte, CA, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 7 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in El Monte, California (population ~86,178), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 363,695 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for El Monte: 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
El Monte water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 15 | 4 |
| Contaminant 1012 | Other | 5 | 4 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91731 | B | 5 | 0 | San Gabriel Valley Water Company-el Monte |
| 91732 | B | 5 | 0 | San Gabriel Valley Water Company-el Monte |
| 91734 | B | 5 | 0 | San Gabriel Valley Water Company-el Monte |
| 91735 | B | 5 | 0 | San Gabriel Valley Water Company-el Monte |
All ZIP Codes in El Monte
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 El Monte
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 El Monte Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for El Monte Homeowners
Remediation costs in El Monte are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in El Monte are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,650 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 15% below the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in El Monte
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 El Monte 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in El Monte
El Monte carries a limited flood exposure profile, with claim volume and flood zone coverage both remaining modest. That limited footprint keeps flooding well below the severity thresholds where treatment infrastructure comes under meaningful stress.
El Monte has a relatively low flood history with 2 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for El Monte, CA