2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in California — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

2,630 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 91901 (Alpine, CA) - 10/100

Out of 2,630 ZIP codes with data in California, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All California Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 2,630
Lowest value 10/100
Median value 75/100
State California

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 91901 Alpine CA 10/100 66/100
2 91931 Guatay CA 10/100 33/100
3 91963 Potrero CA 10/100 55/100
4 93240 Lake Isabella CA 10/100 59/100
5 93532 Lake Hughes CA 10/100 53/100
6 93643 North Fork CA 10/100 50/100
7 93644 Oakhurst CA 10/100 57/100
8 93669 Wishon CA 10/100 35/100
9 94556 Moraga CA 10/100 66/100
10 94575 Moraga CA 10/100 45/100
11 94582 San Ramon CA 10/100 50/100
12 94583 San Ramon CA 10/100 53/100
13 95231 French Camp CA 10/100 62/100
14 92266 Palo Verde CA 13/100 80/100
15 91935 Jamul CA 15/100 69/100
16 91962 Pine Valley CA 15/100 45/100
17 92311 Barstow CA 15/100 45/100
18 92327 Daggett CA 15/100 17/100
19 93247 Lindsay CA 15/100 28/100
20 93267 Strathmore CA 15/100 39/100
21 93283 Weldon CA 15/100 55/100
22 93426 Bradley CA 15/100 69/100
23 93446 Paso Robles CA 15/100 51/100
24 93534 Lancaster CA 15/100 48/100
25 93535 Lancaster CA 15/100 43/100
26 93536 Lancaster CA 15/100 43/100
27 93615 Cutler CA 15/100 55/100
28 93666 Sultana CA 15/100 64/100
29 93926 Gonzales CA 15/100 53/100
30 94102 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
31 94103 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
32 94104 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
33 94105 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
34 94107 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
35 94108 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
36 94109 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
37 94110 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
38 94111 San Francisco CA 15/100 54/100
39 94112 San Francisco CA 15/100 54/100
40 94114 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
41 94115 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
42 94116 San Francisco CA 15/100 54/100
43 94117 San Francisco CA 15/100 53/100
44 94118 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
45 94121 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
46 94122 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
47 94123 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
48 94124 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
49 94127 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
50 94129 San Francisco CA 15/100 53/100
51 94130 San Francisco CA 15/100 53/100
52 94131 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
53 94132 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
54 94133 San Francisco CA 15/100 59/100
55 94134 San Francisco CA 15/100 53/100
56 94158 San Francisco CA 15/100 53/100
57 94515 Calistoga CA 15/100 70/100
58 95012 Castroville CA 15/100 53/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


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Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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