Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Oroville, CA Drinking Water

Lead data for Oroville, California · 50,189 residents · 2 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Oroville, California: the highest detected level is 490 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

Within Oroville, California, Lead has been detected in water samples drawn from the public supply - the results are part of the official EPA compliance record for systems here.

490 ppb
Max Level Detected
490 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Lead in Oroville Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Oroville, California drinking water at a maximum level of 490 ppb — 32.67x the EPA action level.

This analysis covers 50,189 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Oroville.

Oroville's overall water quality grade is A (86/100).

Is Lead in Oroville Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Oroville exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Lead Level EPA Limit Status
95965 490 ppb 15 ppb (action level) Exceeds limit
95966 490 ppb 15 ppb (action level) Exceeds limit

Average lead level across Oroville: 490 ppb

Health Effects of Lead

  • Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
  • Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
  • High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
  • Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
  • Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
  • Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
  • Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight

What to Do About Lead in Oroville Water

  1. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
  2. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
  3. Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
  4. Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

Related

Home → Contaminants → Lead → California → Oroville

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Oroville, CA Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/oroville-ca/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-oroville-ca,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Oroville, CA Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/oroville-ca/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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