Lead in Santa Maria, CA Drinking Water
Lead data for Santa Maria, California · 145,186 residents · 5 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Santa Maria, California: the highest detected level is 2.5 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because of its potential health effects at elevated concentrations; for residents of Santa Maria, California, the relevant fact is that it has shown up in recent EPA compliance samples - point-of-use filtration is one option residents research, alongside reviewing the utility's published treatment data.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13
Lead in Santa Maria Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Santa Maria, California drinking water at a maximum level of 2.5 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).
This analysis covers 145,186 residents across 5 ZIP codes in Santa Maria.
Santa Maria's overall water quality grade is C (63/100).
Is Lead in Santa Maria 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93454 | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 93455 | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 93456 | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 93457 | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 93458 | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
Average lead level across Santa Maria: 2.5 ppb
EPA Violations for Lead in Santa Maria
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2025-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2025-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2025-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2024-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2024-07-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2024-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2024-01-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2023-10-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
| 2023-04-01 | Lead (Known) | Known | 93454 |
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 Maria 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.