Pacific Palisades, CA Water Safety: 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Pacific Palisades, CA tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Pacific Palisades Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pacific Palisades Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Pacific Palisades's Water Providers
2 independent water providers serve Pacific Palisades, CA — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pacific Palisades, California (population ~21,438), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 3,965,513 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pacific Palisades — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pacific Palisades: D (45/100)
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
Pacific Palisades water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pacific Palisades
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90272 | D | Los Angeles-city, Department of Water & Power | 3,875,566 |
All ZIP Codes in Pacific Palisades
- 90272 [D]
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.
Pacific Palisades 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
Pacific Palisades Infrastructure Age
With 73% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Pacific Palisades's median build year of 1960 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Pacific Palisades 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Pacific Palisades
Given current Pacific Palisades 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 Pacific Palisades are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 171% above the California average.
Pacific Palisades: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 73% of the Pacific Palisades inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Pacific Palisades: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Pacific Palisades shows a moderate flood record — 255 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Pacific Palisades has a moderate flood history with 255 FEMA claims averaging $7,948 per payout. 100% 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.
What You Can Do in Pacific Palisades
- 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 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Pacific Palisades, CA