Malibu, CA Water Safety: 49/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Malibu, EPA compliance records fall well below CA averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Malibu Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Malibu Residents
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Malibu's Water Providers
Water supply in Malibu, CA follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 5 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Malibu, California (population ~17,809), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 106,744 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Malibu — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Malibu: D (49/100)
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
Malibu water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Malibu
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90263 | D | RIVERS END TRAILER PARK | 35 |
| 90264 | C | RIVERS END TRAILER PARK | 35 |
| 90265 | D | LAS VIRGENES MWD | 72,602 |
All ZIP Codes in Malibu
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.
Malibu Community Health Snapshot
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 Remediation Costs Compare in Malibu
When remediation costs are measured against Malibu home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Malibu are relatively low compared to home values. The $533–$2,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 171% above the California average.
Malibu: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the years captured by NFIP data, Malibu has logged 2075 flood insurance claims and carries 67% of its ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — a sustained record consistent with high flood exposure. The water quality implications run through several pathways: treatment systems repeatedly stressed by high-volume intake, private wells in FEMA zones facing recurring infiltration risk, and distribution infrastructure that has likely experienced multiple backflow episodes during large events.
Malibu has a significant flood history with 2,075 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $15,584 per claim. With 67% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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 Malibu
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Malibu, CA