Independence, CA: 2 Health Violations — 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Independence holds an above-average drinking water safety record for CA — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Independence Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Independence Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 13 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.65 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Independence
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Independence, CA — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Independence, California (population ~912), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,943 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Independence: B (73/100)
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
Independence water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93526 | B | 13 | 2 | Inyo County Pwd - Lone Pine |
All ZIP Codes in Independence
- 93526 [B] — 13 violations ⚠
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 Independence
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Independence
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Independence's Housing Stock?
With 77% 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
While newer cities carry lower aggregate plumbing risk from lead-era construction, Independence sits firmly in the older category. The median build year of 1968 indicates that more than half the housing stock was built before 1986, when lead solder was still legally used in residential copper plumbing — and a substantial portion likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines. These two thresholds together define the elevated plumbing risk environment that older housing cities carry, independent of what the municipal water supply delivers to the meter.
Over half of homes in Independence were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Independence: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Independence, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Independence are relatively low compared to home values. The $150–$1,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 64% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Independence
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 77% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Independence — 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Independence, CA