Lake Elsinore, CA Water Safety: 78/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Lake Elsinore records above-average water quality outcomes for CA; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.
How Lake Elsinore Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Lake Elsinore Water
- Average lead level: 0.0016 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.09 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Lake Elsinore
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Lake Elsinore, CA — out of 4 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Lake Elsinore, California (population ~88,145), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 1,068,245 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lake Elsinore — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lake Elsinore: B (78/100)
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
Lake Elsinore water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0016 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)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92530 | B | Elsinore Valley Mwd | 169,455 |
| 92531 | B | Elsinore Valley Mwd | 169,455 |
| 92532 | B | Elsinore Valley Mwd | 169,455 |
All ZIP Codes in Lake Elsinore
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 Lake Elsinore
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 Lake Elsinore
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Cities with large shares of pre-1986 housing carry elevated aggregate risk from lead-soldered plumbing; Lake Elsinore sits on the lower end of that spectrum. The median build year of 2001 reflects a housing stock in which post-ban construction is dominant — meaning lead-soldered copper joints are less prevalent across the city as a whole. Still, aggregate figures don't tell you what's happening inside a specific older home. Any structure built before 1986, and particularly those built before 1970 when lead pipes were commonly installed, can still present meaningful lead risk regardless of the city-wide picture.
Most homes in Lake Elsinore 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Lake Elsinore Homeowners
In Lake Elsinore, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Lake Elsinore are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,233–$3,633 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 25% below the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Lake Elsinore
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.
25% — that captures the slice of Lake Elsinore stock built before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction. Combined with system samples below the regulatory action mark, the picture points to a quiet baseline, with one-home draws as the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Lake Elsinore
A moderate NFIP record for Lake Elsinore — 219 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.
Lake Elsinore has a moderate flood history with 219 FEMA claims averaging $10,195 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>$2,300</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lake Elsinore, CA