Korbel, CA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Korbel avoids CA's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Korbel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Korbel Water
- Average lead level: 0.138 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 75% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.81 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Korbel
Federal records list 3 water systems tied to Korbel, 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 1 ZIP code in Korbel, California (population ~206), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 2,775 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Korbel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Korbel: 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
Korbel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.1380 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95550 | C | Fieldbrook Glendale C.s.d. | 1,845 |
All ZIP Codes in Korbel
- 95550 [C]
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 Korbel
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Korbel
With 75% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Korbel — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1951 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Korbel 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Korbel Homeowners
For most homeowners in Korbel, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Korbel are relatively low compared to home values. The $3,000–$6,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Korbel
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.
Buildings from the era when federal rules still permitted solder containing lead make up 75% of the Korbel inventory. Citywide utility readings sit beyond 0.015 mg/L, indicating system-level concentrations past the regulatory action mark. Two independent indicators align here — a majority of buildings carry older interior plumbing, while aggregate readings have moved past the federal benchmark. A household kit and certified filtration via retailer-verified channels are the standard tools available locally.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds 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.
What You Can Do in Korbel
- 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. With 75% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Korbel, CA