Uranium in California Drinking Water — 73 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for uranium in California drinking water systems
Uranium Contamination in California
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 2,630 ZIP codes in California for uranium contamination. 73 ZIP codes have reported uranium detections, and 6 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for uranium in California is 0.2% of all ZIP codes — lower than the national average.
EPA Standard for Uranium
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for uranium is 30 µg/L, governed by the Radionuclides Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Uranium in California
These ZIP codes reported the highest uranium levels in California based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Uranium Levels in California
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported uranium detections in California:
Health Effects of Uranium
Uranium in drinking water primarily causes kidney toxicity — it's a chemical toxin before it's a radiation hazard at the levels found in water. Long-term exposure above the MCL can cause kidney damage and increased cancer risk.
How to Remove Uranium From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for uranium removal is Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange. Look for filters certified under NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see uranium data for your specific water system in California.
Worst ZIP Codes for Uranium in California
Ranked by highest uranium detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 91903 | Alpine | 116 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 2 | 90603 | Whittier | 52.6 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 3 | 91941 | La Mesa | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 4 | 91942 | La Mesa | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 5 | 91943 | La Mesa | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 6 | 91944 | La Mesa | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 7 | 91946 | Lemon Grove | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 8 | 92020 | El Cajon | 31 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 9 | 93243 | Lebec | 23 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 10 | 92008 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 11 | 92009 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 12 | 92010 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 13 | 92011 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 14 | 92013 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 15 | 92018 | Carlsbad | 22.3 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 16 | 90671 | Santa Fe Springs | 22 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Exceeds |
| 17 | 92304 | Amboy | 19.5 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 18 | 92332 | Essex | 19.5 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 19 | 92338 | Ludlow | 19.5 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 20 | 93255 | Onyx | 17.13 pCi/L | 20 pCi/L | Within Limit |
Lowest Uranium Levels in California
| ZIP Code | City | Level Detected |
|---|---|---|
| 92325 | Crestline | 10.02 pCi/L |
| 92278 | Twentynine Palms | 11.1 pCi/L |
| 92277 | Twentynine Palms | 11.1 pCi/L |
| 93901 | Salinas | 11.35 pCi/L |
| 92024 | Encinitas | 11.7 pCi/L |
| 92023 | Encinitas | 11.7 pCi/L |
| 92007 | Cardiff By The Sea | 11.7 pCi/L |
| 93451 | San Miguel | 12.2 pCi/L |
| 92276 | Thousand Palms | 13 pCi/L |
| 92274 | Thermal | 13 pCi/L |