Whittier, CA Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
11 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Whittier, CA: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Whittier Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Whittier, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Whittier's 11 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Whittier Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,427 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.71.
Whittier's Water Providers
In Whittier, CA, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 10 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 11 ZIP codes in Whittier, California (population ~187,139), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 533,820 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Whittier — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Whittier: B (83/100)
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
Whittier water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0015 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): 11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90601 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90602 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90603 | B | California Domestic Water Company | 0 |
| 90604 | B | Orchard Dale Water District | 25,000 |
| 90605 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90606 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90607 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90608 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90609 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
| 90610 | B | Whittier-city, Water Department | 49,954 |
All ZIP Codes in Whittier
- 90601 [B]
- 90602 [B]
- 90603 [B]
- 90604 [B]
- 90605 [B]
- 90606 [B]
- 90607 [B]
- 90608 [B]
- 90609 [B]
- 90610 [B]
- 90612 [B]
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.
Whittier Community Health Snapshot
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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Whittier
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Whittier, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Whittier are relatively low compared to home values. The $682–$2,282 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the California average.
Whittier: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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 Whittier 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.
Whittier: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 45% of Whittier's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 16 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Whittier has a moderate flood history with 16 FEMA claims averaging $3,165 per payout. 45% 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>$1,427</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 Whittier, CA