Palomar Observatory
EPA ID: CA3702236 · 4,416 people served · 1 ZIP code
Palomar Observatory carries 2 resolved violations in the five-year EPA record — each has been formally closed, and the supplier, which serves approximately 4,416 people, now meets all applicable federal drinking water standards with no open enforcement activity remaining.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Palomar Observatory Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade A
Service Area Demographics
The Palomar Observatory serves a community with a median household income of $150,758 and an estimated 591 residents across its service area. Approximately 74% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Palomar Observatory's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 1% of homes in San Diego County, California rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Palomar Observatory compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in California
System Overview
Palomar Observatory (EPA ID: CA3702236) is a community water system in California that serves approximately 4,416 people from groundwater sources.
This system serves ZIP code 92060 in Palomar Mountain.
Average Home Safety Score: A (98/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 2 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92060 | 0.003 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
- 92060 — Palomar Mountain
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Palomar Observatory (CA3702236) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palomar Observatory water safe to drink?
Palomar Observatory has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.
How many people does Palomar Observatory serve?
Palomar Observatory serves approximately 4,416 people across 1 ZIP code in California.
Where does Palomar Observatory get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Palomar Observatory (EPA ID: CA3702236) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.