Water Quality in Orange Cove, CA: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Orange Cove'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
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Orange Cove, CA documents 2 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Orange Cove
Water quality varies across Orange Cove's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93646 | C | 66 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Orange Cove, California receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Orange Cove have accumulated 2 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 9,525 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Orange Cove'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
Lead testing data for Orange Cove is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Orange Cove 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
Orange Cove is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Orange Cove
Orange Cove is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 9,525 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
How to Check Your Water in Orange Cove
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 Orange Cove Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Orange Cove's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Orange Cove vs. Nearby California Cities
How Orange Cove's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Cove | C | 2 | 1 | 9,525 |
| Georgetown | B | 5 | 3 | 9,614 |
| Garden Valley | D | 0 | 1 | 9,434 |
| Greenwood | D | 0 | 1 | 9,434 |
Common Questions About Orange Cove Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Orange Cove, California:
Is Orange Cove water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Orange Cove's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Orange Cove tap water? Orange Cove's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Orange Cove? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Orange Cove vs. California Average
Understanding how Orange Cove 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 Orange Cove.
ZIP Codes in Orange Cove
Orange Cove spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 93646. 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.