Lead in California Drinking Water — 817 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in California drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in California drinking water: 817 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 193 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in California
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,479 ZIP codes in California for lead contamination. 817 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 193 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in California is 13% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in California
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in California based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in California
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in California:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in California.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in California
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 92354 | Loma Linda | 170 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 92408 | San Bernardino | 170 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 94130 | San Francisco | 100 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 4 | 94501 | Alameda | 100 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 5 | 92029 | Escondido | 44 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 6 | 92321 | Cedar Glen | 19 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 7 | 93420 | Arroyo Grande | 17 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 8 | 95223 | Arnold | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 9 | 95224 | Avery | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 10 | 95621 | Citrus Heights | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 11 | 95841 | Sacramento | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 12 | 96146 | Olympic Valley | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 96161 | Truckee | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 93247 | Lindsay | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 93257 | Porterville | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 93267 | Strathmore | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 93908 | Salinas | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 95346 | Mi Wuk Village | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 95383 | Twain Harte | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 95006 | Boulder Creek | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in California
Cities with Lead Data in California
367 cities in California have lead testing data available.
+ 347 more cities