Water Quality in Encino, CA: 72 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 19/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Encino's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Encino in CA has 72 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Encino
Water quality varies across Encino's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91416 | F | 17 | 18 | 18 | View report → |
| 91426 | F | 17 | 18 | 18 | View report → |
| 91436 | F | 18 | 18 | 18 | View report → |
| 91316 | F | 23 | 18 | 18 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Encino.
Water Quality Overview
Encino, California receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 19 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Encino have accumulated 72 EPA violations, including 72 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 82 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Encino's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Encino water systems is 0.0150 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Encino has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Encino is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Encino
Encino is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 82 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Encino. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Encino
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Encino Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Encino's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 68 | 4 | Yes |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 4 | 4 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Encino:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 16 | 16 |
| 2023 | 16 | 16 |
| 2024 | 16 | 16 |
| 2025 | 8 | 8 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2021 to 8 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Encino. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-10-27 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-06-25 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-10-27.
Encino vs. Nearby California Cities
How Encino's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encino | F | 72 | 1 | 82 |
| Alleghany | B | 0 | 1 | 82 |
| Duncans Mills | B | 3 | 1 | 82 |
| Monte Rio | D | 0 | 1 | 82 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Encino
Water quality varies across Encino's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91416 | 17 | F | 18 | 18 |
| 91426 | 17 | F | 18 | 18 |
| 91436 | 18 | F | 18 | 18 |
| 91316 | 23 | F | 18 | 18 |
Common Questions About Encino Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Encino, California:
Is Encino water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Encino's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Encino tap water? Encino's water receives a grade of F (19/100). There are 72 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Encino? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Encino vs. California Average
Understanding how Encino compares to the broader California average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Encino.
ZIP Codes in Encino
Encino spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 91316. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.