Lead in Berkeley, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for Berkeley, California · 127,190 residents · 11 ZIP codes
Lead exposure in drinking water is tracked by EPA across the country; households in Berkeley, California are among those with confirmed detections in the public water record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Lead in Berkeley Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Berkeley, California drinking water at a maximum level of 200 ppb — 13.33x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 127,190 residents across 11 ZIP codes in Berkeley.
Berkeley's overall water quality grade is C (60/100).
Is Lead in Berkeley Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Lead Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94701 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94702 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94703 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94704 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94705 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94707 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94708 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94709 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94710 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94712 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 94720 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average lead level across Berkeley: 200 ppb
Health Effects of Lead
- Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
- Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).
How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
- Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
- Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
- Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight
What to Do About Lead in Berkeley Water
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
- Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
- Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.