California Code § 101700.3(b)(1): Lead Action Level
What Is California Code § 101700.3(b)(1): Lead Action Level?
California Code § 101700.3(b)(1)
A result with values of 5.5 ppb or greater shall be deemed an Action Level Exceedance.
💬What Providers Tell Us
Based on community experience — not official guidance
Inspectors don't just check whether you tested your water. They check whether you tested every fixture children can access, including that hallway fountain nobody thinks about. The biggest trip-up I see is providers who test kitchen sinks but skip classroom sinks or outdoor spigots. If your results come back at 5.5 ppb or above, you need to shut off that fixture immediately and post signage. Don't wait for the official letter. Inspectors also verify you kept chain-of-custody documentation for your samples, so use a certified lab and keep every receipt.
Source: California CCLD inspection records | Data as of Apr 6, 2026. Last updated April 6, 2026.
8 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days.
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What Other Providers Do for Lead Action Level
Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.
✓ Common Practices
❌ Common Mistakes
- Confusing California's 5.5 ppb action level with the federal EPA standard of 15 ppb. Providers assume they're safe at 10 ppb because it's below the federal threshold, but California's childcare standard is nearly three times stricter.
- Testing only the main kitchen faucet and missing classroom sinks, bathroom taps, or outdoor drinking fountains. Inspectors verify that every water source accessible to children was included in the testing report.
- Failing to immediately shut off a fixture that exceeds 5.5 ppb. Some providers wait for remediation scheduling while children continue using the tap, which inspectors document as a separate violation.
- Not retesting after remediation. Replacing a fixture or installing a filter doesn't close the citation until follow-up lab results confirm levels dropped below 5.5 ppb.
- Losing chain-of-custody paperwork for water samples. If you can't prove a certified lab handled the testing, inspectors treat the results as invalid.
What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days
Based on facility inspection reports filed with California's Community Care Licensing Division, here's how this citation appears across different regions in the past 90 days.
Los Angeles County
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San Mateo County
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Sacramento County
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Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 4/6/2026
A single Type A citation can cost $150-$500+ in civil penalties, not counting the follow-up inspection it triggers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.
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This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed childcare compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.