Morro Bay, CA: 2 Health Violations — 77/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Morro Bay records above-average water quality outcomes for CA; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.
How Morro Bay Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Morro Bay Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0043 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.26.
Water Systems Serving Morro Bay
Throughout Morro Bay, CA, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 6 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Morro Bay, California (population ~11,336), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 20,073 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Morro Bay: B (77/100)
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
Morro Bay water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0043 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93442 | B | 1 | 1 | Morro Bay Pw Department - Water Division |
| 93443 | B | 1 | 1 | Morro Bay Pw Department - Water Division |
All ZIP Codes in Morro Bay
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 Morro Bay
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Morro Bay
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Morro Bay: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay are relatively low compared to home values. The $750–$2,650 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% above the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Morro Bay
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 Morro Bay 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Morro Bay
50% of ZIP codes in Morro Bay are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 51 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Morro Bay has a moderate flood history with 51 FEMA claims averaging $25,815 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>$1,600</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 Morro Bay, CA