Uranium · California

Uranium in California Drinking Water — 73 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for uranium in California drinking water systems

73
ZIPs with Detections
6
ZIPs with Violations
0.2%
Violation Rate
30 µg/L
EPA Limit
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

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
California Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the California water quality page.
Learn more about Uranium: Read the full guide on Uranium in drinking water.
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