Markleeville, CA Water Safety: 68/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Markleeville water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in CA EPA records.
How Markleeville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Markleeville Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0095 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 67% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.5 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Markleeville
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Markleeville, CA. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Markleeville, California, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,273 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Markleeville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Markleeville: C (68/100)
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
Markleeville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0095 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96120 | C | Markleeville Water Company | 175 |
All ZIP Codes in Markleeville
- 96120 [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.
CDC Health Data for Markleeville
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 Markleeville's Housing Stock?
With 67% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1973, as in Markleeville, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Markleeville 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.
Markleeville: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Markleeville valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Markleeville are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 35% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Markleeville
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.
Routinely in Markleeville, where 67% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Markleeville
- 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 67% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Markleeville, CA