Willows, CA Water Safety: 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Willows shows moderate tap water quality for CA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Willows Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Willows Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.61 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Willows
The structure of water supply in Willows, CA is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Willows, California, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 9,060 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Willows — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Willows: C (60/100)
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
Willows water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Willows
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95988 | C | ARTOIS COMMUNITY S.D. | 254 |
All ZIP Codes in Willows
- 95988 [C]
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 Willows
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 Old Is Willows's Housing Stock?
With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Willows's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1972 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Willows were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Willows: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Willows, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Willows are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 59% below the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Willows
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.
Older stock in Willows represents 70% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Willows
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Willows falls in moderate-exposure territory — 144 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Willows has a moderate flood history with 144 FEMA claims averaging $11,069 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>$1,200</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 Willows
- 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. With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Willows, CA