Richmond, CA Water Safety: 67/100 (2026)
7 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in CA, Richmond carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Richmond Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Richmond, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Richmond score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Richmond Water
- Estimated remediation: $1,575 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.72.
Who Supplies Your Water in Richmond
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Richmond, 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 7 ZIP codes in Richmond, California (population ~93,599), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,442,951 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Richmond — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Richmond: C (67/100)
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
Richmond water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Richmond
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 7 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94801 | C | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
| 94802 | B | SONOMA RANCH MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | 151 |
| 94804 | C | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
| 94805 | C | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
| 94807 | C | SONOMA RANCH MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | 151 |
| 94808 | C | SONOMA RANCH MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | 151 |
| 94850 | C | SONOMA RANCH MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | 151 |
All ZIP Codes in Richmond
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 Richmond
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Richmond Homeowners
Within the Richmond market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Richmond are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,025–$2,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% below the California average.
Flood & Climate Risk in Richmond
Flood exposure in Richmond is meaningful by NFIP measures — 73 claims on record and 57% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Richmond has a moderate flood history with 73 FEMA claims averaging $5,869 per payout. 57% 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>$1,575</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 Richmond
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Richmond, CA