Pacifica, CA Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Pacifica, CA: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Pacifica Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Pacifica Water
- Average lead level: 0.0052 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 87% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.58.
Who Supplies Your Water in Pacifica
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Pacifica, CA. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pacifica, California (population ~37,540), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 143,447 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pacifica — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pacifica: B (73/100)
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
Pacifica water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0052 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94044 | B | North Coast County Water District | 38,546 |
All ZIP Codes in Pacifica
- 94044 [B]
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 Pacifica
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Pacifica
With 87% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Pacifica is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1964 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Pacifica 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Pacifica Homeowners
How much of a Pacifica home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Pacifica are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 64% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Pacifica
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 87% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Pacifica.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Pacifica
FEMA data shows 100% of Pacifica's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 122 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Pacifica has a moderate flood history with 122 FEMA claims averaging $8,647 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pacifica, CA