South Pasadena, CA Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
EPA compliance records for South Pasadena 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 Pasadena Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About South Pasadena Water
- Average lead level: 0.0024 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Who Supplies Your Water in South Pasadena
South Pasadena, CA draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 3 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in South Pasadena, California (population ~26,297), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 3,900,955 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Pasadena — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Pasadena: B (81/100)
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 Pasadena water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0024 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): 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91030 | B | City of South Pasadena | 25,329 |
| 91031 | B | City of South Pasadena | 25,329 |
All ZIP Codes in South Pasadena
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 South Pasadena
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for South Pasadena Homeowners
Within the South Pasadena market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in South Pasadena are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 109% above the California average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in South Pasadena
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 Pasadena 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 South Pasadena
FEMA data shows 50% of South Pasadena's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 15 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
South Pasadena has a moderate flood history with 15 FEMA claims averaging $8,189 per payout. 50% 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>$1,000</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 Pasadena, CA