Water Quality in North Fork, CA: 24 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North Fork's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, North Fork, CA shows 24 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Fork
Water quality varies across North Fork's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93643 | D | 50 | 24 | 22 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North Fork.
Water Quality Overview
North Fork, California receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving North Fork have accumulated 24 EPA violations, including 22 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 382 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. North Fork'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 North Fork water systems is 0.0031 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 64% of homes built before 1986, North Fork 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
North Fork is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving North Fork
North Fork is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 382 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 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Fork. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Fork
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 North Fork Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Fork's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 12 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
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 North Fork:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2025 | 10 | 10 |
Violations have increased from 5 in 2024 to 10 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Fork. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-01-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-02-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-01-25 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-01-31.
North Fork vs. Nearby California Cities
How North Fork's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Fork | D | 24 | 3 | 382 |
| Princeton | A | 0 | 1 | 382 |
| Elk | B | 2 | 1 | 380 |
| Norden | C | 0 | 1 | 384 |
Common Questions About North Fork Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Fork, California:
Is North Fork water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Fork's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Fork tap water? North Fork's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 22 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for North Fork? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Fork vs. California Average
Understanding how North Fork 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 North Fork.
ZIP Codes in North Fork
North Fork spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93643. 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.