Truckee, CA Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Truckee tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for CA — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Truckee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Truckee Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0033 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.3 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Truckee
Federal records list 7 water systems tied to Truckee, CA. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Truckee, California (population ~19,231), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 64,410 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Truckee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Truckee: 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
Truckee water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0033 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): 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96160 | B | Truckee-donner Pud, Main | 36,730 |
| 96161 | B | Truckee-donner Pud, Main | 36,730 |
| 96162 | B | Truckee-donner Pud, Main | 36,730 |
All ZIP Codes in Truckee
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 Truckee
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
Truckee: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Truckee, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Truckee are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,067–$3,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 25% above the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Truckee
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 Truckee 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 Truckee
How does Truckee's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 23 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Truckee has a moderate flood history with 23 FEMA claims averaging $16,173 per payout. 100% 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>$2,000</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 Truckee, CA