Madeline, CA Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Madeline, CA — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Madeline Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Madeline Water
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 13.09 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Madeline
Federal records track 1 water system in Madeline, CA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Madeline, California (population ~28), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 450 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Madeline — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Madeline: 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
Madeline water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Madeline
- 0 ZIP codes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96119 | C | LASSEN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #1 | 450 |
All ZIP Codes in Madeline
- 96119 [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 Madeline
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 Madeline
With 73% 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
The character of Madeline's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1977 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Madeline 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Madeline
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Madeline have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 73% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Madeline
- 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. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Madeline, CA