Fairfield, CA: 10 Health Violations — 68/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in CA, Fairfield lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How Fairfield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Fairfield Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 14 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.66.
Fairfield's Water Providers
Residential water in Fairfield, CA is supplied by 3 separate utilities — not one centralized authority. Each of those providers operates under its own service territory boundary, maintains its own distribution infrastructure, and files compliance documentation with the EPA on its own timeline. Federal data counts 7 water systems in the area, with these providers collectively accounting for the dominant share of household connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Fairfield, California (population ~119,659), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 273,796 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 10 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fairfield: C (68/100)
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
Fairfield water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 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): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 9 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94533 | C | 7 | 5 | City of Fairfield |
| 94534 | B | 7 | 5 | City of Fairfield |
All ZIP Codes in Fairfield
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.
Fairfield Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Fairfield's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Fairfield Infrastructure Age
With 48% 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
What does a median build year of 1984 mean for water safety in Fairfield? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Fairfield 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Fairfield
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Fairfield, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Fairfield are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,300–$3,650 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% below the California average.
Fairfield: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Wherever 48% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Fairfield — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Fairfield: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Fairfield — 94 insurance claims paired with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Fairfield has a moderate flood history with 94 FEMA claims averaging $22,810 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>$2,100</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 Fairfield
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Fairfield's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fairfield, CA