WaterVerge

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 ↓

4K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: CA3010008
Overall Score
90.2 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#135 of 694 in California Top 15% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.2/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Midway City, CA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

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).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Midway City

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Midway City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3591). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Midway City's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MONMRMCLTTOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2020 TTHM Resolved
Sep 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2017 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2012 TTHM Resolved

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.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3592
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3591
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4305

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
0.2 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 0% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 0.2 µg/LHAA9: 0.2 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

29
Total violations
11
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

29 Total
2 Active
11 Health-based
27 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
11
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Miscellaneous Other Rules
2
Oct 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2009 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2023
Jan 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Sep 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2019
Jan 2012 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jan 2012 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Nov 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2009
Sep 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Dec 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Dec 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2002
Apr 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2001
Oct 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1999
May 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1998
Nov 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1996
Jul 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1996
Jul 1993 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Showing 20 of 29 violations
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS ALTON ST FACILITY DIV
Fabricated Metals · ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS INC
SANTA ANA, CA92707
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)297.6 mi
ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS INC
Fabricated Metals · ALUMINUM PRECISION PRODUCTS INC
SANTA ANA, CA92704
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)134.7 mi
AIR INDUSTRIES CO A PCC CO
Fabricated Metals · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
GARDEN GROVE, CA92841
Chromium102.8 mi
CONTINUOUS COATING CORP
Fabricated Metals · USG CORP
ORANGE, CA92865
Zinc compounds79.0 mi
VISTA PAINT CORP
Chemicals · VISTA PAINT CORP
FULLERTON, CA92831
Zinc compounds69.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Mar 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Mar 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3592
Jan 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3591
Mar 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4305
Jan 2011
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, AND DEBRIS AND MUD FLOWS
Flood FEMA #1952
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3248
Feb 1993
SEVERE WINTER STORM, MUD & LAND SLIDES, & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #979

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 1995 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
4,196
Water Systems
3
Water Source

Where Midway City's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Midway City (this city)
90.2
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$62,176
Median Income
$691,028
Median Home Value
$1,464/mo
Median Rent
8.9%
Unemployment
Community
40.5
Median Age
5,088
People / sq mi
19.8%
College Educated
30.2%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

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.