San Jose, CA: 57 Health Violations - 81/100 (2026)
57 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for San Jose: B.
This ZIP looks solid, with a few items worth a quick check.
Your top priority: consider a certified water filter (57 health violations on record). NSF certified filters →
Based on current monitoring, San Jose holds an above-average drinking water safety record for CA - violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19
San Jose Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 57 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0045 mg/L.
Water Quality in San Jose
We track water quality and home safety data for 57 ZIP codes in San Jose, California (population ~1,014,813), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 2,009,204 people region-wide.
57 of 57 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 57 total, including 57 health-based violations.
Average Home Safety Score: B (81/100)
Water sources: Groundwater, Surface water.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 57 | 57 |
Lead Risk
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0045 mg/L
- 68% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
- 8% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
- Median year built: 1977
- Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
- Lead exposure risk score: 50/100
- Estimated lead service line probability: 20%
- 21 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk
With 68% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, San Jose residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.
Housing Age Distribution
347,732 total housing units across 57 ZIP codes:
| Era | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 | 18,836 | 5% |
| 1940–1949 | 11,915 | 3% |
| 1950–1959 | 40,214 | 12% |
| 1960–1969 | 62,227 | 18% |
| 1970–1979 | 81,687 | 23% |
| 1980–1989 | 42,108 | 12% |
| 1990–1999 | 33,633 | 10% |
| 2000–2009 | 32,352 | 9% |
| 2010–2019 | 23,543 | 7% |
| 2020+ | 1,217 | 0% |
Flood Risk
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for San Jose:
- 620 flood insurance claims on record
- $9,434,641 total paid out
- $15,217 average claim payout
- Dominant FEMA flood zone: AO (High risk)
- 18 of 57 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)
Radon Risk
Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 57 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Neighborhoods by Safety Score
Safest Areas
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95101 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95103 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95106 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95108 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95109 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95111 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95113 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95115 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95117 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
| 95118 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
Areas Needing Attention
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95125 | 72/100 | B | 1 |
| 95116 | 72/100 | B | 1 |
| 95112 | 72/100 | B | 1 |
| 95110 | 72/100 | B | 1 |
| 95148 | 77/100 | B | 1 |
| 95132 | 77/100 | B | 1 |
| 95127 | 77/100 | B | 1 |
| 95122 | 77/100 | B | 1 |
| 95120 | 77/100 | B | 1 |
| 95196 | 82/100 | B | 1 |
What San Jose Residents Can Do
Test Your Water
- Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
- Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
- Check your ZIP code - each area in San Jose has different water systems and risk levels
Filter Your Water
- NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
- NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
- Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)
Test for Radon
- San Jose is in a moderate-risk radon area
- Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
- If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation
Stay Informed
- Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
- Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
- Review the annual water quality report from your local utility
All ZIP Codes in San Jose
- 95101 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95103 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95106 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95108 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95109 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95110 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95111 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95112 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95113 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95115 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95116 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95117 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95118 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95119 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95120 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95121 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95122 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95123 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95124 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95125 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95126 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95127 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95128 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95129 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95130 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95131 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95132 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95133 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95134 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95135 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95136 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95138 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95139 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95141 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95148 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95150 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95151 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95152 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95153 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95154 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95155 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95156 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95157 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95158 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95159 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95160 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95161 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95164 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95170 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95172 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95173 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95190 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95191 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95192 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95193 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95194 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 95196 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe to drink in San Jose, CA?
San Jose has an average Home Safety Score of 81/100 (grade B) across 57 ZIP codes. There are 57 recorded EPA violations, 57 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.
Does San Jose have lead in the water?
The average 90th-percentile lead level across San Jose is 0.0045 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 68% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.
Is San Jose at risk for flooding?
FEMA data shows 620 flood insurance claims in San Jose ZIP codes, with an average payout of $15,217. 18 of 57 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).
Are there lead pipes in San Jose homes?
68% of San Jose housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 8% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 20%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
What contaminants have been found in San Jose water?
The most common contaminants by violation count are E. coli. Across 57 ZIP codes, 57 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
How Old Is San Jose's Housing Stock?
Median build year of 1977 means many homes predate lead paint and lead solder regulations. Consider testing if your home has original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. San Jose's median build year of 1977 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard - a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in San Jose 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in San Jose
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 San Jose 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 San Jose
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, San Jose shows 620 claims and 0% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones - figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding - contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow - move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
San Jose has a moderate flood history with 620 FEMA claims. 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.
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 San Jose, CA