Irvine, CA: 84 Violations — 93/100 (2026)
14 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Irvine show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in CA.
How Irvine Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Irvine, CA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Irvine.
Irvine Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 84 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,318 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.23.
Water Systems Serving Irvine
Structurally, Irvine, CA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 8 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 14 ZIP codes in Irvine, California (population ~308,406), covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 936,197 people region-wide.
14 of 14 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Irvine: A (93/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Irvine water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 14 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 45 | 14 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 30 | 14 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 15 | 14 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92602 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92603 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92604 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92606 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92612 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92614 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92616 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92617 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92618 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| 92619 | A | 6 | 0 | Irvine Ranch Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Irvine
- 92602 [A] — 6 violations
- 92603 [A] — 6 violations
- 92604 [A] — 6 violations
- 92606 [A] — 6 violations
- 92612 [A] — 6 violations
- 92614 [A] — 6 violations
- 92616 [A] — 6 violations
- 92617 [A] — 6 violations
- 92618 [A] — 6 violations
- 92619 [A] — 6 violations
- 92620 [A] — 6 violations
- 92623 [A] — 6 violations
- 92697 [A] — 6 violations
- 92710 [A] — 6 violations
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Irvine
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Irvine
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Irvine's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The story of Irvine's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1998 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Irvine were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Irvine: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Irvine, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Irvine are relatively low compared to home values. The $845–$2,009 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 42% above the California average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Irvine
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 34% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Irvine address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Irvine
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Irvine falls in moderate-exposure territory — 43 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 50% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Irvine has a moderate flood history with 43 FEMA claims averaging $4,645 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,318</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Irvine, CA