Water System Report CA

City of Fullerton

EPA ID: CA3010010 · 139,461 people served · 15 ZIP codes

Zero EPA violations over five years — City of Fullerton has kept tap water compliance clean for its full service population of 139,461.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

A · 95
Avg Safety Score
139,461
People Served
15
ZIP Codes Served
0
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.0015 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 3
Radon Risk · Low
0
Contaminants Flagged
$791K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for City of Fullerton Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade A

Service Area Demographics

$95,112
Median Household Income
515,998
Service Area Population
24%
Disadvantaged Population
30th
Poverty Percentile
10th
Energy Burden Percentile
76%
Pre-1986 Housing

The City of Fullerton serves a community with a median household income of $95,112 and an estimated 515,998 residents across its service area. Approximately 76% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

City of Fullerton's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Moderate Risk
Source Contamination Risk
40th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
60th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 2% of homes in Orange County, California rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.

Infrastructure Risk

53 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
15 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Stable
Decay Status
Installed 78% of expected lifespan used End of life

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 73 detections recorded. 23 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS). 19 exceed state limits.

State limits: PFOA: 0.0051 ppt, PFOS: 0.0065 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in California

City of Escondido
137,044 people
A 0 violations
B 0 violations
B 7 violations
Vista Irrigation District
132,430 people
A 0 violations
El Dorado Id - Main
132,171 people
C 1 violation

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment Radon Mitigation
Flood Insurance $1,300
PFAS Treatment $500
Radon Mitigation $67
Total Estimated Cost $1,867

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$165
10 years
$330
20 years
$660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,867 (one-time) vs. $330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

City of Fullerton (EPA ID: CA3010010) is a community water system in California that serves approximately 139,461 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 15 ZIP codes across 6 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: A (95/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

No violations recorded — This water system has no recorded EPA violations in the past 5 years.

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
92831 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92832 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92833 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92834 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92835 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92836 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92837 0.0015 mg/L No N/A
92838 0.0015 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 11 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 4 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for City of Fullerton (CA3010010) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Fullerton water safe to drink?

Based on EPA records, City of Fullerton has no recorded violations in the past 5 years — a positive indicator of water quality management.

How many people does City of Fullerton serve?

City of Fullerton serves approximately 139,461 people across 15 ZIP codes in California.

Where does City of Fullerton get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
(714) 738-2835
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.
Address
1580 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92833-2728

Contact information from City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Blended (groundwater + surface water)
Combines water from both groundwater and surface sources.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine
Treatment chemicals reported
chlorinefluoride

Source: City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Source water assessment from City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report:
Groundwater sources are most vulnerable to chemical/petroleum processing/storage, dry cleaners, gas stations, known contaminant plumes, metal plating/finishing/fabricating, and plastics/synthetics producers. Imported water from the Colorado River is most vulnerable to contamination from recreation, urban/stormwater runoff, increasing urbanization in the watershed, and wastewater. Imported water from the State Water Project is most vulnerable to contamination from urban/stormwater runoff, wildlife, agriculture, recreation, and wastewater.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Multi-stage
Multiple treatment stages — typically coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. Common for surface-water systems requiring removal of particulates, microorganisms, and dissolved organic compounds before disinfection.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
chlorine
Fluoridation
Added at low levels per state or local public-health policy for dental health.
fluoride

Watershed exposure sources reported

Land-use and natural conditions identified in the utility's source-water assessment as potential contamination sources upstream of treatment.

AgricultureIndustrial activityStorage tanksUrban stormwater runoffWastewaterRecreational activity

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Above Current MCL

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
431
Detections
26
Latest sample
2/25/2025
Highest analyte
PFOS: 13.3 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFOS 13.3 ppt 10 ppt Above current MCL
PFOA 10.8 ppt 10 ppt Above current MCL
PFPeA 13.2 ppt
PFHxA 12.4 ppt
PFBS 7.6 ppt
PFHxS 6.2 ppt 10 ppt Below current MCL

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
Perfluoro Butane Sulfonic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
3.6 ppt No federal limit set
Perfluoro Butanoic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
0 ppt No federal limit set
Perfluoro Heptanoic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
0 ppt No federal limit set
Perfluoro Hexane Sulfonic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
3 ppt 3 ppt Below EPA limit
Perfluoro Hexanoic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
6.2 ppt No federal limit set
Perfluoro Octane Sulfonic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
6.4 ppt 6.5 ppt Below EPA limit
Perfluoro Octanoic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
5.2 ppt 5.1 ppt Above EPA limit
Perfluoro Pentanoic Acid
Not yet EPA-regulated
7.8 ppt No federal limit set

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by City of Fullerton.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker

This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.

Get notified on replacement progress

Subscribers receive an email when this utility updates its LSL plan, files a milestone report, or adjusts replacement timelines. No marketing, no third-party sharing.

By submitting you agree to Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime via the link in any email.

City of Fullerton

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.

Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
34,343
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2022-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 139,461
Reported to California

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Aesthetic water quality

These measurements describe the look, taste, and feel of the water this utility delivers. They are not contaminant violations — they sit alongside federal Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) which the EPA publishes as non-enforceable guidance.

pH
7.7
How acidic or basic the water is on a 0-14 scale. Drinking water is typically near neutral.
EPA secondary range: 6.5 – 8.5
Fluoride
0.6 ppm
Utility adds fluoride
Measured fluoride concentration in parts per million.
EPA secondary MCL: 2.0 ppm
Alkalinity
139 ppm CaCO₃
Capacity of the water to neutralize acids, expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent.
Total dissolved solids
484 ppm
Mineral content remaining after evaporation, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other dissolved substances.
EPA secondary MCL: 500 ppm

Aesthetic measurements from City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report.

Aesthetic measurements are reported by the utility from its annual sampling. EPA Secondary MCLs are advisory thresholds — values outside them indicate aesthetic concerns such as taste or appearance, not health violations. Federal contaminant testing is shown in the sections above.

Hard water detected in City of Fullerton

Your utility reported water hardness of 241 ppm CaCO₃ (14 grains per gallon) in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This is in the hard range and may cause scale buildup, reduced appliance lifespan, and dry skin or hair.

Solutions for hard water

There are three common approaches to treating hard water: salt-based ion-exchange softeners (most effective, require salt refills), salt-free conditioners (lower maintenance, scale prevention only), and reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink (cooking and drinking water only). Aquasana, EcoWater, Pelican, and SpringWell are among the major US brands.

Recommended Aquasana system for your hardness level

Paid Partner. ZipCheckup earns commission on Aquasana purchases. We do not test water or verify product effectiveness for specific hardness levels — manufacturer claims are theirs alone. Consult a certified water-quality professional for personalized advice.

Hardness data parsed from this utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report. Severity bands per USGS hard water classification.

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Notable events from the utility's CCR

These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.

Notable events from City of Fullerton Consumer Confidence Report:
  • City brought first PFAS treatment plant online in June 2021 and a second treatment plant online in October 2024.

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from City of Fullerton safe to drink?
City of Fullerton earns a A safety grade with 0 violations in the past 5 years. Tap water meets EPA standards for most contaminants.
Should I use a water filter?
City of Fullerton meets EPA standards, but a water filter can reduce trace contaminants below detectable levels for added peace of mind.
How many people does City of Fullerton serve?
City of Fullerton serves approximately 139,461 people with drinking water across 15 ZIP codes.
What is City of Fullerton's water source?
City of Fullerton draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in City of Fullerton's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0015 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of City of Fullerton's service area?
The City of Fullerton service area has a median household income of $95,112. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does City of Fullerton get its water?
City of Fullerton's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on available data, the source contamination risk is moderate.
Home Water Systems California City of Fullerton

Get safety alerts for City of Fullerton, California

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Check your water filter options Free tool — no phone call required.