Worst Infrastructure: San Diego Metro — 2026

Out of 49 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the San Diego metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic	Value
ZIP codes ranked	49
Highest risk	NaN%
Median risk	NaN%
Average risk	NaN%

Top 49 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Pipe Failure Risk	Risk Level	Safety Score
1	91910	Chula Vista	CA	NaN%	Unknown	75/100
2	91911	Chula Vista	CA	NaN%	Unknown	74/100
3	91913	Chula Vista	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
4	91914	Chula Vista	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
5	91915	Chula Vista	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
6	92008	Carlsbad	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
7	92009	Carlsbad	CA	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
8	92010	Carlsbad	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
9	92011	Carlsbad	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
10	92025	Escondido	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
11	92026	Escondido	CA	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
12	92027	Escondido	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
13	92029	Escondido	CA	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
14	92054	Oceanside	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
15	92056	Oceanside	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
16	92057	Oceanside	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
17	92058	Oceanside	CA	NaN%	Unknown	91/100
18	92101	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	67/100
19	92102	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
20	92103	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
21	92104	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
22	92105	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
23	92106	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
24	92107	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
25	92108	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
26	92109	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
27	92110	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
28	92111	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
29	92113	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
30	92114	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
31	92115	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
32	92116	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
33	92117	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
34	92119	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
35	92120	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
36	92121	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
37	92122	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
38	92123	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
39	92124	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
40	92126	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
41	92127	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
42	92128	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
43	92129	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
44	92130	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
45	92131	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
46	92136	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
47	92139	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
48	92154	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	74/100
49	92155	San Diego	CA	NaN%	Unknown	—

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.