Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Milpitas Unified School District (CA): 2 Health Violations

5 ZIP codes · 14 water systems · 3,240,425 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Milpitas Unified School District: 1 unresolved violation in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

B · 82
Avg Safety Score
5
ZIP Codes
14
Water Systems
4
Violations (5yr)
0.003 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
2
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Milpitas Unified School District in California spans 5 ZIP codes served by 14 community water systems, providing water to approximately 3,240,425 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (82/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 71/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 76% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.003 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0045 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 5 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 2 of 5 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA.

Highest measured level: 0.012 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

2 health-based violations recorded across 3 of 5 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2 No 1
E. coli Microbiological 2 Yes 2

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
95035 Milpitas B (71) 2 0 0.0017 mg/L No
95132 San Jose B (77) 1 1 0.0045 mg/L No
95134 San Jose B (82) 1 1 0.0045 mg/L No
94550 Livermore A (95) 0 0 0.0012 mg/L No
95140 Mount Hamilton B (83) 0 0 0.0032 mg/L No

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
SAN JOSE WATER 1,039,920 Surface water 95035, 95132, 95134, 95140
Cws - Bakersfield 267,881 Surface water 95132, 95134
California Water Service - Stockton 176,266 Surface water 95132, 95134
City of Bakersfield, 160,144 Surface water 95132, 95134
California Water Service Company - Ela 152,474 Surface water 95132, 95134
City of Milpitas 81,773 Surface water 95035, 95134
City of Pleasanton 76,689 Surface water 94550
City of Livermore 38,892 Surface water 94550

14 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 2 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 55.6% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 8.8% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 16.4% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.003 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0045 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: E. coli.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2 No 1
E. coli Microbiological 2 Yes 2

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 95035 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 95035 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 95132 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 95134 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Milpitas Unified School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Milpitas Unified School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 2 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 2 of 5 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 55.6% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 1 violation remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Milpitas Unified School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 1 unresolved violation in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Milpitas Unified School District schools?

Water systems serving Milpitas Unified School District have recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Milpitas Unified School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Milpitas Unified School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 2 of 5 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Home → School Districts → California → Milpitas Unified School District

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Milpitas Unified School District (CA): 2 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/milpitas-unified-school-district-ca/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-milpitas-unified-school-district-ca,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Milpitas Unified School District (CA): 2 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/milpitas-unified-school-district-ca/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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