Lakewood, CA Water Safety: 74/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike many cities its size in CA, Lakewood keeps health-based violation rates low — systems here score at or above the state average for tap water safety, with no systemic concerns flagged in the current data set.
How Lakewood Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Lakewood, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Lakewood.
Lakewood Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 91% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Water Systems Serving Lakewood
Water service in Lakewood, CA is split across 3 utilities out of 4 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Lakewood, California (population ~79,923), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 694,761 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lakewood — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lakewood: B (74/100)
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
Lakewood water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lakewood
- 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): 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90711 | B | Lakewood - City, Water Department | 66,135 |
| 90712 | B | Lakewood - City, Water Department | 66,135 |
| 90713 | B | Lakewood - City, Water Department | 66,135 |
| 90714 | B | Lakewood - City, Water Department | 66,135 |
| 90715 | B | Golden State Wc - West Orange County | 114,379 |
All ZIP Codes in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
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
How Old Is Lakewood's Housing Stock?
With 91% 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
Two dates define the high-risk tiers of residential plumbing from a lead standpoint: 1970, before which lead pipes were commonly installed for service connections, and 1986, before which lead solder was standard in copper plumbing. A median build year of 1957 places Lakewood's housing distribution well within that older risk zone. The bar chart above breaks down how much of the stock falls into each era — and the pre-1986 share alone represents more than half the residential inventory, making plumbing-era risk a defining characteristic of the local water safety picture.
Over half of homes in Lakewood 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.
Lakewood: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Lakewood, 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 Lakewood are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 6% above the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Lakewood
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.
Locally, 91% of Lakewood homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Lakewood
Although Lakewood's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 10 claims and FEMA maps place 60% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Lakewood has a moderate flood history with 10 FEMA claims averaging $2,149 per payout. 60% 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>$1,600</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 Lakewood, CA