San Rafael, CA Water Safety: 64/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
San Rafael's water quality grade in CA reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How San Rafael Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: San Rafael, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across San Rafael.
San Rafael Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $1,350 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.78.
Water Systems Serving San Rafael
Water delivery in San Rafael, CA is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 3 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in San Rafael, California (population ~72,230), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 248,886 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in San Rafael — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for San Rafael: C (64/100)
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 Rafael water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for San Rafael
- 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): 5 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | C | Marin Municipal Water District | 186,895 |
| 94903 | C | Marin Municipal Water District | 186,895 |
| 94912 | C | MOREHEAD PARK | 300 |
| 94913 | B | MOREHEAD PARK | 300 |
| 94915 | B | NORTH MARIN WATER DISTRICT | 61,691 |
All ZIP Codes in San Rafael
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.
CDC Health Data for San Rafael
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 Rafael: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does remediation cost in financial context for San Rafael homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in San Rafael are relatively low compared to home values. The $900–$1,975 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 85% above the California average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for San Rafael
What does a high NFIP claim count mean for water quality in San Rafael? The 764 documented claims reflect a flood history frequent enough that those infrastructure degradation pathways — treatment overload, well infiltration, backflow — have almost certainly been periodically activated. That record makes flood timing a relevant factor in local water quality assessment, particularly in the 80% of ZIP codes FEMA has designated as flood zones.
San Rafael has a significant flood history with 764 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $14,650 per claim. With 80% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,350</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 Rafael
- 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 San Rafael, CA