Manhattan Beach, CA Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
EPA compliance records for Manhattan Beach tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within CA.
How Manhattan Beach Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Manhattan Beach Water
- Average lead level: 0.0044 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Who Supplies Your Water in Manhattan Beach
Federal records list 1 water system serving Manhattan Beach, CA. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Manhattan Beach, California, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 34,584 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Manhattan Beach — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Manhattan Beach: B (81/100)
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
Manhattan Beach water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0044 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): 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90266 | B | Manhattan Beach-city, Water Department | 32,697 |
| 90267 | B | Manhattan Beach-city, Water Department | 32,697 |
All ZIP Codes in Manhattan Beach
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 Manhattan Beach
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Manhattan Beach Homeowners
In Manhattan Beach, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Manhattan Beach are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 171% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Manhattan Beach
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.
Lead risk in Manhattan Beach appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Manhattan Beach
How does Manhattan Beach's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 14 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 50% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Manhattan Beach has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $8,821 per payout. 50% 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>$1,000</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 Manhattan Beach, CA