Lead in Chico, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for Chico, California · 16,121 residents · 6 ZIP codes
Lead is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because of its potential health effects at elevated concentrations; for residents of Chico, California, the relevant fact is that it has shown up in recent EPA compliance samples — point-of-use filtration is one option residents research, alongside reviewing the utility's published treatment data.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Lead in Chico Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Chico, California drinking water at a maximum level of 0.7 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).
This analysis covers 16,121 residents across 6 ZIP codes in Chico.
Chico's overall water quality grade is B (83/100).
Is Lead in Chico 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95926 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95927 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95928 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95929 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95973 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95976 | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
Average lead level across Chico: 0.7 ppb
EPA Violations for Lead in Chico
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95926 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95927 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95928 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95929 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95973 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95976 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95926 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95927 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95928 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95929 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95973 |
| 2023-08-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95976 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95926 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95927 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95928 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95929 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95973 |
| 2023-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95976 |
| 2023-06-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95926 |
| 2023-06-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95927 |
| ... | 4 more violations |
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 Chico 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.