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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 92101 Water Quality Report

San Diego, CA · San Diego County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

4

Total Violations

13

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

2

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact City of San Diego, for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 92101

Tap water in ZIP code 92101 (San Diego, CA) has received a failing F grade (score: 35/100) based on EPA compliance data. City of San Diego, has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

City of San Diego,

EPA ID: CA3710020

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

1,385,379 residents

County

San Diego County County, California

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Lead Levels in ZIP 92101

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 10.7 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 92101 is 10.7 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.

Lead exposure risk in 92101 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 40% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
10.70 ppb (0.0107 mg/L)
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.7 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

40%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

City of San Diego, has recorded 4 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 6 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
13
Health-Based Violations
4
Unresolved Violations
6
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. City of San Diego, has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 92101: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Consumer Confidence Report RuleStage 2 DBP Rule

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Copper (0.656 ppm); Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (49 ppb); Bromate (9.4 ppb); Specific Conductance (980 μS/cm @ 25ºC); Total Dissolved Solids (614 ppm)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

8 enforcement actions have been issued against City of San Diego, — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Imported water from Colorado River and State Water Project; supplemented with treated water from Metropolitan Water District Skinner Plant, San Diego County Water Authority Twin Oaks Valley Plant, and Carlsbad Desalination Plant; local surface water from reservoirs
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

4.03%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 92101 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact City of San Diego, to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 92101 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 92101?+
Tap water in 92101 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 92101 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 92101 is 10.7 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 92101?+
Tap water in ZIP code 92101 is provided by City of San Diego, (EPA ID: CA3710020). This system serves approximately 1,385,379 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 92101?+
ZIP code 92101 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 92101 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 6 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact City of San Diego, for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 92101?+
Your water utility — City of San Diego, — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "City of San Diego, Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 92101?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 92101, with detected contaminants including Consumer Confidence Report Rule and Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 92101 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 10.7 ppb in 92101, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 92101 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of San Diego,. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →