Lead in San Diego, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for San Diego, California · 1,422,927 residents · 81 ZIP codes
EPA records show Lead detections in San Diego, California water samples.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Lead in San Diego Tap Water
Lead has been detected in San Diego, California drinking water at a maximum level of 200 ppb — 13.33x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 1,422,927 residents across 81 ZIP codes in San Diego.
San Diego's overall water quality grade is C (60/100).
Is Lead in San Diego 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92155 | 200 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 92101 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92102 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92103 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92104 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92105 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92106 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92107 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92108 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92109 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92110 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92111 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92112 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92113 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92114 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92115 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92116 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92117 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92119 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92120 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92121 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92122 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92123 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92124 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 92126 | 10.7 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| ...56 more ZIP codes |
Average lead level across San Diego: 13.04 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 San Diego 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.