ZIP Code 92868 Water Quality & Testing Report
Orange, CA · Orange County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 92868 (Orange, CA)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 92868 (Orange, CA) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by City of Orange, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of A (95/100) with 0 health violations, 2.3 ppb lead, and hard (126 mg/L / 7.4 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Excellent — Meets all EPA standards
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
0
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 92868
Tap water in ZIP code 92868 (Orange, CA) is distributed by City of Orange (EPA ID: CA3010027), serving approximately 120,770 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of A with a composite quality score of 95/100.
Water System
City of Orange
EPA ID: CA3010027
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
120,770 residents
County
Orange County County, California
Lead Levels in ZIP 92868
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 2.3 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 92868 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 49% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 92868 is Hard (126 mg/L / 7.4 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: City of Orange · PWSID: CA3010027
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
City of Orange has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 92868 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Lead (25.5 ppb); Gross Alpha Activity (9.39 pCi/L); Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (62 ppb); Total Chlorine Residual (2.6 ppm); Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (613 ppm)
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Lower potential
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 92868
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 92868 served by City of Orange can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by California State Water Resources Control Board.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 92868 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from City of Orange
- ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
- ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste
Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:
NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter
Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 92868 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 92868?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 92868 (Orange, CA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 92868?+
Should I test private well water in 92868?+
What is the lead level in 92868 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 92868?+
Who provides tap water to 92868?+
What water filter should I use in 92868?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 92868 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Orange. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →