Elk Grove, CA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 66/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Elk Grove, CA: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Elk Grove Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Elk Grove Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0385 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 16% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,950 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.31.
Water Systems Serving Elk Grove
Federal records list 6 water systems tied to Elk Grove, CA. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Elk Grove, California (population ~188,570), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 799,782 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elk Grove — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elk Grove: C (66/100)
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
Elk Grove water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0385 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 4 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): 4 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95624 | C | Elk Grove Water District | 43,813 |
| 95757 | C | Scwa - Laguna/vineyard | 184,896 |
| 95758 | B | City of Sacramento Main | 520,407 |
| 95759 | B | Elk Grove Water District | 43,813 |
All ZIP Codes in Elk Grove
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 Elk Grove
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 Elk Grove's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. Elk Grove's median build year of 1997 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard — a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in Elk Grove 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.
Elk Grove: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Elk Grove valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Elk Grove are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,300–$2,750 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Elk Grove
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 16% of Elk Grove stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
<strong>4 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed 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 Elk Grove
The NFIP claim record for Elk Grove — 99 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Elk Grove has a moderate flood history with 99 FEMA claims averaging $16,547 per payout. 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>$1,950</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 Elk Grove
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Elk Grove, CA