Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Pasadena, CA Drinking Water

Lead data for Pasadena, California · 191,916 residents · 26 ZIP codes

Over the past reporting period, water systems in Pasadena, California have recorded Lead at detectable concentrations in EPA compliance samples.

1.8 ppb
Max Level Detected
1.8 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
390
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 Pasadena Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Pasadena, California drinking water at a maximum level of 1.8 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 191,916 residents across 26 ZIP codes in Pasadena.

Pasadena's overall water quality grade is B (80/100).

Is Lead in Pasadena Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Pasadena 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
91101 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91102 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91103 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91104 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91105 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91106 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91107 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91109 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91110 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91114 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91115 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91116 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91117 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91121 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91123 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91124 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91125 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91126 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91129 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91182 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91184 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91185 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91188 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91189 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
91191 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
...1 more ZIP codes

Average lead level across Pasadena: 1.8 ppb

EPA Violations for Lead in Pasadena

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91101
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91102
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91103
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91104
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91105
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91106
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91107
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91109
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91110
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91114
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91115
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91116
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91117
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91121
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91123
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91124
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91125
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91126
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91129
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 91182
... 370 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 Pasadena 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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