Palm Desert, CA: 4 Health Violations — 63/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Palm Desert, CA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Palm Desert Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Palm Desert Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0085 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,050 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.09 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Palm Desert
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Palm Desert, CA's residential water connections out of 5 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Palm Desert, California (population ~58,126), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 274,881 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Palm Desert: C (63/100)
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
Palm Desert water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0085 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): 4 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 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92211 | C | 3 | 1 | Coachella Vwd: Cove Community |
| 92255 | C | 3 | 1 | Coachella Vwd: Cove Community |
| 92260 | C | 3 | 1 | Coachella Vwd: Cove Community |
| 92261 | C | 3 | 1 | Coachella Vwd: Cove Community |
All ZIP Codes in Palm Desert
- 92211 [C] — 3 violations ⚠
- 92255 [C] — 3 violations ⚠
- 92260 [C] — 3 violations ⚠
- 92261 [C] — 3 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.
CDC Health Data for Palm Desert
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 Palm Desert
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Palm Desert: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Equity impact data for Palm Desert lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Palm Desert are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,075–$3,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Palm Desert
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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Palm Desert shows a moderate flood record — 307 claims and 75% 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.
Palm Desert has a moderate flood history with 307 FEMA claims averaging $30,204 per payout. 75% 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>$2,050</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 Palm Desert
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Palm Desert's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Palm Desert, CA