Water Quality in Gonzales, CA: 22 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Gonzales's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA monitoring has flagged 22 reportable events for water systems in Gonzales, CA.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Gonzales
Water quality varies across Gonzales's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93926 | D | 53 | 22 | 17 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Gonzales.
Water Quality Overview
Gonzales, California receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Gonzales have accumulated 22 EPA violations, including 17 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,427 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Gonzales's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Gonzales water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Gonzales 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.
Radon Risk
Gonzales is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Gonzales
Gonzales is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,427 people across 1 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gonzales. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Gonzales
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 Gonzales Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Gonzales's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 15 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | 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 Gonzales:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2021 to 5 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gonzales. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-11-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-01 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-11-08.
Gonzales vs. Nearby California Cities
How Gonzales's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzales | D | 22 | 3 | 8,427 |
| Corning | B | 5 | 4 | 8,541 |
| Orosi | B | 0 | 1 | 8,300 |
| Orland | A | 1 | 1 | 8,298 |
Common Questions About Gonzales Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Gonzales, California:
Is Gonzales water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Gonzales's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Gonzales tap water? Gonzales's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 17 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Gonzales? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Gonzales vs. California Average
Understanding how Gonzales 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 Gonzales.
ZIP Codes in Gonzales
Gonzales spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93926. 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.