Water Quality in Paynes Creek, CA: 3 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 94/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Paynes Creek's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Paynes Creek, CA, the record shows 3 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Paynes Creek
Water quality varies across Paynes Creek's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96075 | A | 94 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Paynes Creek, California receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 94 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Paynes Creek have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 412 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Paynes Creek's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Paynes Creek water systems is 0.0019 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 61% of homes built before 1986, Paynes Creek 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.
Water Systems Serving Paynes Creek
Paynes Creek is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 412 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 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Paynes Creek. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Paynes Creek
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 Paynes Creek Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Paynes Creek's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| 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.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Paynes Creek. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-02-01 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-02-01.
Paynes Creek vs. Nearby California Cities
How Paynes Creek's water quality compares to similar cities in California:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paynes Creek | A | 3 | 1 | 412 |
| Death Valley | B | 2 | 3 | 413 |
| Ferndale | A | 4 | 2 | 408 |
| San Leandro | C | 0 | 1 | 420 |
Common Questions About Paynes Creek Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Paynes Creek, California:
Is Paynes Creek water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Paynes Creek's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Paynes Creek tap water? Paynes Creek's water receives a grade of A (94/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Paynes Creek? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Paynes Creek vs. California Average
Understanding how Paynes Creek 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 Paynes Creek.
ZIP Codes in Paynes Creek
Paynes Creek spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 96075. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.