South Lake Tahoe, CA: 32 Violations — 79/100 (2026)
8 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
EPA compliance records for South Lake Tahoe tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within CA.
How South Lake Tahoe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Water Quality Map: South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 32 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0025 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,375 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.85.
Water Systems Serving South Lake Tahoe
Structurally, South Lake Tahoe, CA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 6 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 8 ZIP codes in South Lake Tahoe, California (population ~29,527), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 113,076 people region-wide.
8 of 8 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Lake Tahoe: B (79/100)
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
South Lake Tahoe water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 1039 | Other | 9 | 8 |
| Contaminant 2905 | Other | 9 | 8 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 9 | 8 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 9 | 8 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96150 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96151 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96152 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96154 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96155 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96156 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96157 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
| 96158 | B | 4 | 0 | South Tahoe Pud - Main |
All ZIP Codes in South Lake Tahoe
- 96150 [B] — 4 violations
- 96151 [B] — 4 violations
- 96152 [B] — 4 violations
- 96154 [B] — 4 violations
- 96155 [B] — 4 violations
- 96156 [B] — 4 violations
- 96157 [B] — 4 violations
- 96158 [B] — 4 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.
CDC Health Data for South Lake Tahoe
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
Key Contaminants Detected in South Lake Tahoe
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
South Lake Tahoe: Remediation Cost in Perspective
For most homeowners in South Lake Tahoe, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in South Lake Tahoe are relatively low compared to home values. The $650–$2,213 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in South Lake Tahoe
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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe
Within the NFIP's national dataset, South Lake Tahoe falls in moderate-exposure territory — 74 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 63% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
South Lake Tahoe has a moderate flood history with 74 FEMA claims averaging $6,427 per payout. 63% 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>$1,375</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 South Lake Tahoe, CA