Lead in Oceanside, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for Oceanside, California · 197,994 residents · 7 ZIP codes
Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Oceanside, California, that tracking has turned up Lead — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Lead in Oceanside Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Oceanside, California drinking water at a maximum level of 50 ppb — 3.33x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 197,994 residents across 7 ZIP codes in Oceanside.
Oceanside's overall water quality grade is B (84/100).
Is Lead in Oceanside 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92049 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92051 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92052 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92054 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92056 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92057 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92058 | 50 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average lead level across Oceanside: 50 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 Oceanside 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.