Is Orleans, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.7/100
waterverge.com Orleans, CA — Water Quality Report
Orleans's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 721 residents using surface water.
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 95 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orleans's water
Orleans ranks #531 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Orleans may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orleans, CA water safe to drink?
Orleans's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 721 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Orleans
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orleans's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.7/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4683). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orleans's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Orleans's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Humboldt County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Salmon R A Somes Bar, Klamath R A Orleans.
Where does Orleans's water come from?
Orleans's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 721 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Salmon R A Somes Bar (river), Klamath R A Orleans (river).
What Orleans residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orleans'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.
Orleans'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
Humboldt County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Orleans compares by contaminant
Explore where Orleans ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orleans's water comes from
Orleans's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 721 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Orleans
Orleans is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Orleans
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLEANS C.S.D. | CA1200729 | 636 | SW |
| ORLEANS MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1200566 | 85 | SW |
How Orleans compares
Full California rankings →Orleans's score of 67.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orleans's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Humboldt
Frequently asked questions
Is Orleans, CA tap water safe to drink?
Orleans's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #531 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Orleans's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Orleans'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 Orleans?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orleans's water come from?
Orleans's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 721 residents.
What health violations has Orleans's water system had?
Orleans has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Orleans's water compare to other cities?
Orleans ranks #531 out of 694 cities in California (better than 23% of state cities) and #11203 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.