La Quinta, CA Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of La Quinta, CA — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How La Quinta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
La Quinta Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $1,633 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.09 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving La Quinta
Across La Quinta, CA, residential water comes from 2 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 2 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in La Quinta, California (population ~38,281), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 354,757 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in La Quinta — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for La Quinta: C (55/100)
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 Quinta water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for La Quinta
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92247 | C | INDIO WATER AUTHORITY | 84,757 |
| 92248 | D | INDIO WATER AUTHORITY | 84,757 |
| 92253 | D | COACHELLA VWD: COVE COMMUNITY | 270,000 |
All ZIP Codes in La Quinta
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 La Quinta
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
La Quinta: Remediation Cost in Perspective
For most homeowners in La Quinta, 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 La Quinta are relatively low compared to home values. The $867–$2,733 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% below the California average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for La Quinta
The NFIP claim record for La Quinta — 61 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 67% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
La Quinta has a moderate flood history with 61 FEMA claims averaging $29,571 per payout. 67% 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>$1,633</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 Quinta
- 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 Quinta, CA