San Leandro, CA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 56/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in CA, San Leandro lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How San Leandro Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for San Leandro Residents
- Average lead level: 0.16 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,940 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.67.
San Leandro's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide San Leandro, CA's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in San Leandro, California (population ~109,055), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,606,174 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in San Leandro — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for San Leandro: C (56/100)
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
San Leandro water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.1600 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 3 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): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94577 | C | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
| 94578 | C | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
| 94579 | D | EAST BAY MUD | 1,442,800 |
All ZIP Codes in San Leandro
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.
San Leandro Community Health Snapshot
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
San Leandro Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. San Leandro's median build year of 1956 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in San Leandro 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in San Leandro
At current valuations, San Leandro sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in San Leandro are relatively low compared to home values. The $4,593–$9,553 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 10% above the California average.
San Leandro: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Buildings from the era when federal rules still permitted solder containing lead make up 84% of the San Leandro inventory. Citywide utility readings sit beyond 0.015 mg/L, indicating system-level concentrations past the regulatory action mark. Two independent indicators align here — a majority of buildings carry older interior plumbing, while aggregate readings have moved past the federal benchmark. A household kit and certified filtration via retailer-verified channels are the standard tools available locally.
<strong>3 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
San Leandro: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, San Leandro shows 23 claims and 100% 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 Leandro has a moderate flood history with 23 FEMA claims averaging $12,173 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>$6,940</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 San Leandro
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for San Leandro, CA