Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Long Beach, CA Drinking Water

Lead data for Long Beach, California · 466,792 residents · 27 ZIP codes

Across the water systems that serve Long Beach, California, Lead has appeared in EPA compliance samples — standard municipal treatment targets this contaminant, though detections in the compliance record indicate it has reached household taps at measurable levels.

3.1 ppb
Max Level Detected
3.1 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
27
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Lead in Long Beach Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Long Beach, California drinking water at a maximum level of 3.1 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 466,792 residents across 27 ZIP codes in Long Beach.

Long Beach's overall water quality grade is A (86/100).

Is Lead in Long Beach Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Long Beach exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

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
90801 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90802 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90803 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90804 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90805 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90806 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90807 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90808 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90809 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90810 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90813 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90814 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90815 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90822 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90831 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90832 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90833 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90834 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90835 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90840 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90842 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90844 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90846 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90847 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
90848 3.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
...2 more ZIP codes

Average lead level across Long Beach: 3.1 ppb

EPA Violations for Lead in Long Beach

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90801
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90802
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90803
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90804
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90805
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90806
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90807
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90808
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90809
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90810
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90813
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90814
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90815
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90822
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90831
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90832
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90833
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90834
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90835
2023-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 90840
... 7 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 Long Beach Water

  1. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
  2. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
  3. Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
  4. Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

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