Lead in Santa Cruz, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for Santa Cruz, California · 95,967 residents · 6 ZIP codes
Across Santa Cruz, California, federal monitoring data has captured Lead in water samples at detectable concentrations in the most recent available reporting cycle.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Lead in Santa Cruz Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Santa Cruz, California drinking water at a maximum level of 1 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).
This analysis covers 95,967 residents across 6 ZIP codes in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz's overall water quality grade is C (65/100).
Is Lead in Santa Cruz 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95060 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95061 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95062 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95063 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95064 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 95065 | 1 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
Average lead level across Santa Cruz: 1 ppb
EPA Violations for Lead in Santa Cruz
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95065 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95065 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95065 |
| 2024-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2024-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| ... | 16 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 Santa Cruz 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.