Is Midway City, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
Midway City, CA — Water Quality Report
Midway City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,196 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 29 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Midway City's water
Midway City ranks #135 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Midway City 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Midway City, CA water safe to drink?
Midway City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,196 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Midway City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Midway City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Midway City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Midway City's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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, Santiago C A Santa Ana, Santa Ana R A Santa Ana, Brea C Bl Brea Dam Nr Fullerton.
Where does Midway City's water come from?
Midway City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,196 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), Santiago C A Santa Ana (river), Santa Ana R A Santa Ana (river), Brea C Bl Brea Dam Nr Fullerton (river).
What Midway City residents can do
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.
Midway City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Midway City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Midway City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 65 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS ALTON ST FACILITY DIV SANTA ANA, CA92707 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 29 | 7.6 mi |
ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS INC SANTA ANA, CA92704 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 13 | 4.7 mi |
AIR INDUSTRIES CO A PCC CO GARDEN GROVE, CA92841 | Chromium | 10 | 2.8 mi |
CONTINUOUS COATING CORP ORANGE, CA92865 | Zinc compounds | 7 | 9.0 mi |
VISTA PAINT CORP FULLERTON, CA92831 | Zinc compounds | 6 | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Midway City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ORANGE COUNTY NORTH BASIN8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Midway City compares by contaminant
Explore where Midway City ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Midway City's water comes from
Midway City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,196 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Midway City
Midway City is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Midway City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASTSIDE WATER ASSOCIATION | CA3010008 | 2,000 | GW |
| MIDWAY CITY MUTUAL WC | CA3010097 | 1,305 | GW |
| SOUTH MIDWAY CITY MUTUAL WATER CO. | CA3000825 | 891 | GW |
How Midway City compares
Full California rankings →Midway City's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Midway City, CA
Wikipedia →Midway City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) that forms part of the county land controlled by Orange County, California. The only area in Orange County that incorporates its chamber of commerce and homeowners association to act in concert like a city council, the area mostly is surrounded by Westminster with Huntington Beach bordering it on the southwest. Midway City was so named because it is horizontally midway between Seal Beach, to the west, and Santa Ana, to the east. The 2020 census listed the population as 8,825.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Midway City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Midway City, CA tap water safe to drink?
Midway City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #135 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Midway City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Midway City'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 Midway City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Midway City's water come from?
Midway City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,196 residents.
What health violations has Midway City's water system had?
Midway City has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Midway City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Midway City 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 29 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 Midway City's water compare to other cities?
Midway City ranks #135 out of 694 cities in California (better than 81% of state cities) and #2351 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.