Oakland, CA: 26 Health Violations — 76/100 (2026)
26 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems in Oakland, CA serve households with few reported safety events.
How Oakland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Oakland, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Oakland's 26 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Oakland Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 52 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0033 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,581 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.67.
Oakland's Water Providers
Residential water service in Oakland, CA is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 5 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 26 ZIP codes in Oakland, California (population ~425,492), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 1,444,562 people region-wide.
26 of 26 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 26 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Oakland: B (76/100)
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
Oakland water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0033 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): 26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 27 | 26 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 27 | 26 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94601 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94602 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94603 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94604 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94605 | C | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94606 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94607 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94609 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94610 | B | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
| 94611 | C | 2 | 1 | East Bay Municipal Utility District |
All ZIP Codes in Oakland
- 94601 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94602 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94603 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94604 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94605 [C] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94606 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94607 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94609 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94610 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94611 [C] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94612 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94613 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94614 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94615 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94617 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94618 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94619 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94621 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94622 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94623 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94624 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94649 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94659 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94660 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94661 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 94666 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
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.
Oakland 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
What's in Oakland's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Oakland
Within the Oakland market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Oakland are relatively low compared to home values. The $721–$2,735 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the California average.
Oakland: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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 Oakland 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.
Oakland: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Oakland — 264 insurance claims paired with 46% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Oakland has a moderate flood history with 264 FEMA claims averaging $2,793 per payout. 46% 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>$1,581</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 Oakland, CA