Pala, CA Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent monitoring in Pala shows middle-tier safety for CA — some systems are clean; others have logged EPA violations.
How Pala Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Pala Water
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.18.
Who Supplies Your Water in Pala
Water supply in Pala, CA follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 6 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pala, California (population ~1,449), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 55,687 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pala — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pala: C (66/100)
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
Pala water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pala
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92059 | C | Valley Center Mwd | 29,938 |
All ZIP Codes in Pala
- 92059 [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.
Health Outcomes in Pala
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 Pala
With 46% 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
Development in Pala unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 1998 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Pala were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Pala Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Pala picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Pala are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Pala
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 46% of Pala stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Pala
- 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 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pala, CA