Water Quality in Alpine, CA: 22 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Alpine's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Alpine, CA has 22 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alpine
Water quality varies across Alpine's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91901 | C | 66 | 11 | 6 | View report → |
| 91903 | C | 69 | 11 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Alpine.
Water Quality Overview
Alpine, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Alpine have accumulated 22 EPA violations, including 12 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 165 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Alpine's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Alpine water systems is 0.0026 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Alpine has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Alpine
Alpine is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 165 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 16 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alpine. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Alpine
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Alpine Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Alpine's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 10 | 2 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Alpine:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alpine. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-09-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-08-30 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-06-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-11-30 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-11-09 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-17.
Alpine vs. Nearby California Cities
How Alpine's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine | C | 22 | 3 | 165 |
| Elverta | C | 5 | 1 | 166 |
| Badger | B | 2 | 1 | 163 |
| Auberry | B | 1 | 2 | 160 |
Common Questions About Alpine Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alpine, California:
Is Alpine water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alpine's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alpine tap water? Alpine's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 12 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Alpine? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alpine vs. California Average
Understanding how Alpine compares to the broader California average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Alpine.
ZIP Codes in Alpine
Alpine spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 91901. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.