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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 94948 Water Quality Report

Novato, CA · Marin County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

2

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

1

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact North Marin Water District for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 94948

Tap water in ZIP code 94948 (Novato, CA) receives a C grade (score: 68/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from North Marin Water District is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

North Marin Water District

EPA ID: CA2110003

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

61,691 residents

County

Marin County County, California

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Lead Levels in ZIP 94948

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

Lead Level: 13.0 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 94948 is 13.0 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 Level (90th percentile)
13.00 ppb (0.013 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
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

North Marin Water District has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 2 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)
2
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. North Marin Water District has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 94948: 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.

Stage 2 DBP Rule
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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
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 94948 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 94948 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 94948?+
Tap water in 94948 (Novato, CA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 94948 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 94948 is 13.0 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 94948?+
Tap water in ZIP code 94948 is provided by North Marin Water District (EPA ID: CA2110003). This system serves approximately 61,691 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 94948?+
ZIP code 94948 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 94948 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact North Marin Water District for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 94948?+
Your water utility — North Marin Water District — 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 "North Marin Water District Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 94948?+
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 94948, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 94948 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 13.0 ppb in 94948, 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 94948 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 North Marin Water District. 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 →