La Jolla, CA Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
La Jolla, CA: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How La Jolla Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: La Jolla, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in La Jolla score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About La Jolla Water
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.18.
Who Supplies Your Water in La Jolla
Water service in La Jolla, CA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in La Jolla, California (population ~44,359), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,385,379 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in La Jolla — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for La Jolla: 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
La Jolla water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for La Jolla
- 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): 5 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92037 | C | SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 |
| 92038 | B | SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 |
| 92039 | C | SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 |
| 92092 | C | SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 |
| 92093 | C | SAN DIEGO, CITY OF | 1,385,379 |
All ZIP Codes in La Jolla
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 La Jolla
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for La Jolla Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in La Jolla is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in La Jolla are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 152% above the California average.
Flood & Climate Risk in La Jolla
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, La Jolla shows 110 claims and 40% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
La Jolla has a moderate flood history with 110 FEMA claims averaging $10,727 per payout. 40% 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>$1,200</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 La Jolla
- 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. 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 La Jolla, CA