Lead in San Jose, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for San Jose, California · 1,796,685 residents · 57 ZIP codes
Across the water systems that serve San Jose, 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Lead in San Jose Tap Water
Lead has been detected in San Jose, California drinking water at a maximum level of 230 ppb — 15.33x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 1,796,685 residents across 57 ZIP codes in San Jose.
San Jose's overall water quality grade is B (81/100).
Is Lead in San Jose 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95101 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95103 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95106 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95108 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95109 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95110 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95111 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95112 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95113 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95115 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95116 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95117 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95118 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95119 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95120 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95121 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95122 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95123 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95124 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95125 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95126 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95127 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95128 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95129 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 95130 | 230 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...32 more ZIP codes |
Average lead level across San Jose: 230 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 Jose 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.