Water Quality in Orleans, CA: 8 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Orleans's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Orleans, CA carry 8 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Orleans
Water quality varies across Orleans's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95556 | D | 50 | 8 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Orleans.
Water Quality Overview
Orleans, 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 2 water systems serving Orleans have accumulated 8 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 721 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Orleans'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 Orleans water systems is 1.5000 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
Water Systems Serving Orleans
Orleans is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 721 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Orleans. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Orleans
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 Orleans Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Orleans's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 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 Orleans:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
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 Orleans. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-06 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-26 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-09-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-07-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-03-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-06-03 | State Formal Action |
| 2021-04-12 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.
Orleans vs. Nearby California Cities
How Orleans's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orleans | D | 8 | 2 | 721 |
| Etna | A | 0 | 1 | 720 |
| Lakehead | A | 2 | 4 | 732 |
| Lee Vining | B | 0 | 2 | 742 |
Common Questions About Orleans Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Orleans, California:
Is Orleans water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Orleans's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Orleans tap water? Orleans's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Orleans? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Orleans vs. California Average
Understanding how Orleans 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 Orleans.
ZIP Codes in Orleans
Orleans spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 95556. 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.