Is Corona Del Mar, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.8/100
waterverge.com Corona Del Mar, CA — Water Quality Report
Corona Del Mar's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 875 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 241 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Corona Del Mar's water
Corona Del Mar ranks #570 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Corona Del Mar relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Corona Del Mar may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Corona Del Mar, CA water safe to drink?
Corona Del Mar's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Corona Del Mar
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Corona Del Mar's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Corona Del Mar's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Corona Del Mar's water system has 241 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Bonita C A Irvine.
Where does Corona Del Mar's water come from?
Corona Del Mar's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bonita C A Irvine (river).
What Corona Del Mar residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Corona Del Mar's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Corona Del Mar's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Orange County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Corona Del Mar's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 50.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 50.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Corona Del Mar compares by contaminant
Explore where Corona Del Mar ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Corona Del Mar's water comes from
Corona Del Mar's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 875 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Corona Del Mar
Corona Del Mar is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Corona Del Mar
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROOKSIDE VILLAGE MHP PWS | OH1200112 | 475 | GW |
| DELTA MOBILE HOME PK & APT | MS0420020 | 230 | GWP |
| CARAVAN VILLAGE MHP | OH6503312 | 170 | GW |
How Corona Del Mar compares
Full California rankings →Corona Del Mar's score of 59.8/100 is on par with the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Corona Del Mar, CA
Wikipedia →Corona del Mar is a seaside neighborhood in the city of Newport Beach, California. It generally consists of all the land on the seaward face of the San Joaquin Hills south of Avocado Avenue to the city limits, as well as the development of Irvine Terrace, just north of Avocado. Corona del Mar is known for its beaches, tide pools, cliffside views and village shops. Beaches in the area include Corona del Mar State Beach as well as Crystal Cove State Park south of Corona del Mar, accessible by paths winding down a steep hillside. Corona del Mar has a representative to the Newport Beach City Council. Residents use a mailing address of Corona del Mar with the 92625 ZIP code.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Corona Del Mar's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Corona Del Mar, CA tap water safe to drink?
Corona Del Mar's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #570 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Corona Del Mar's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 241 violations are on record.
How is Corona Del Mar's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Corona Del Mar?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Corona Del Mar's water come from?
Corona Del Mar's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 875 residents.
What health violations has Corona Del Mar's water system had?
Corona Del Mar has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Corona Del Mar's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Corona Del Mar uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 241 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Corona Del Mar's water compare to other cities?
Corona Del Mar ranks #570 out of 694 cities in California (better than 18% of state cities) and #12144 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.