Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

San Francisco School District (CA): 360 Health Violations

60 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · 22,167,858 people served · Updated 2026-06-04

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-04

C · 55
Avg Safety Score
60
ZIP Codes
7
Water Systems
420
Violations (5yr)
0.003 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
1
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 San Francisco School District in California spans 60 ZIP codes served by 7 community water systems, providing water to approximately 22,167,858 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (55/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 53/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 81% 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 0.0031 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 60 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 1 of 60 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFHpA.

Highest measured level: 0.0089 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

360 health-based violations recorded across 60 of 60 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 420 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Contaminant 0700 Other 360 Yes 60
Lead Inorganic 60 No 60

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
94101 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94102 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94103 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94104 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94105 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94107 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94108 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94109 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94110 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94111 San Francisco D (54) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94112 San Francisco D (54) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94114 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94115 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94116 San Francisco D (54) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94117 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94118 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94119 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94120 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94121 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94122 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94123 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94124 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94125 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94126 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94127 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94128 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94129 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94130 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94131 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94132 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94133 San Francisco C (59) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94134 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94136 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94137 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94139 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94140 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94141 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94142 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94143 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94144 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94145 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94146 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94147 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94150 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94151 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94153 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94154 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94156 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94158 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94159 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94160 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94161 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94162 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94163 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94164 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94171 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94172 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94175 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94177 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No
94188 San Francisco D (53) 7 6 0.00305 mg/L No

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 San Francisco School District schools?

Water systems serving San Francisco School District have recorded 360 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 1 of 60 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.

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