San Luis Obispo, CA: 8 Health Violations — 80/100 (2026)
8 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Although water quality varies across any metro, San Luis Obispo's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for CA — and documented violations are few.
How San Luis Obispo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Water Quality Map: San Luis Obispo, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in San Luis Obispo score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About San Luis Obispo Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,225 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.26.
Who Supplies Your Water in San Luis Obispo
With 3 utilities splitting service in San Luis Obispo, CA, water accountability is distributed across 5 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 8 ZIP codes in San Luis Obispo, California, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 63,932 people.
8 of 8 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 8 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for San Luis Obispo: B (80/100)
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 Luis Obispo water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 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): 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 9 | 8 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 9 | 8 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93401 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93403 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93405 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93406 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93407 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93408 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
| 93409 | B | 2 | 1 | California Mens Colony |
| 93410 | B | 2 | 1 | San Luis Obispo Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in San Luis Obispo
- 93401 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93403 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93405 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93406 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93407 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93408 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93409 [B] — 2 violations ⚠
- 93410 [B] — 2 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.
Health Outcomes in San Luis Obispo
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
Top Contaminants in San Luis Obispo Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for San Luis Obispo Homeowners
Given current San Luis Obispo valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in San Luis Obispo are relatively low compared to home values. The $500–$2,163 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in San Luis Obispo
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 Luis Obispo 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in San Luis Obispo
38% of ZIP codes in San Luis Obispo are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 173 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
San Luis Obispo has a moderate flood history with 173 FEMA claims averaging $9,391 per payout. 38% 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>$1,225</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for San Luis Obispo, CA