In recent monitoring cycles, San Pedro tap water shows a mixed record for CA - several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.

Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19

Water Quality in San Pedro

We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in San Pedro, California (population ~85,556), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,875,566 people region-wide.

No EPA violations have been recorded across any ZIP codes in San Pedro - an excellent indicator of water quality.

Average Home Safety Score: C (58/100)

Water sources: Surface water.

Lead Risk

• 84% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
• 24% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
• Median year built: 1973
• Most common estimated pipe material: Galvanized Steel or Copper
• Lead exposure risk score: 62/100
• Estimated lead service line probability: 25%
• 2 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk

With 84% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, San Pedro 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

33,635 total housing units across 4 ZIP codes:

Flood Risk

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for San Pedro:

• 14 flood insurance claims on record
• $144,790 total paid out
• $10,342 average claim payout
• Dominant FEMA flood zone: A (High risk)
• 1 of 4 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): 4 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

What San Pedro 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 Pedro 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 Pedro 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 Pedro

• 90731 [C]
• 90732 [C]
• 90733 [D]
• 90734 [D]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water safe to drink in San Pedro, CA?

San Pedro has an average Home Safety Score of 58/100 (grade C) across 4 ZIP codes. No EPA violations have been recorded. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.

Is San Pedro at risk for flooding?

FEMA data shows 14 flood insurance claims in San Pedro ZIP codes, with an average payout of $10,342. 1 of 4 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).

Are there lead pipes in San Pedro homes?

84% of San Pedro housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 24% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Galvanized Steel or Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 25%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.

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.

Housing Age Profile

Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints - a practice banned that year. San Pedro's median build year of 1973 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.

1973

Median Year Built

0%

Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)

0%

Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)

Most homes in San Pedro 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.

Climate-Related Water Risk for San Pedro

San Pedro carries a limited flood exposure profile, with claim volume and flood zone coverage both remaining modest. That limited footprint keeps flooding well below the severity thresholds where treatment infrastructure comes under meaningful stress.

14

Total FEMA Flood Claims

~1

Est. Claims/Year

San Pedro has a relatively low flood history with 14 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.

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.

Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.