Is Yorba Linda, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.5/100
Yorba Linda, CA — Water Quality Report
Yorba Linda's drinking water received a grade of B (75.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,729 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 87 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yorba Linda's water
Yorba Linda ranks #452 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Yorba Linda 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, Yorba Linda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yorba Linda, CA water safe to drink?
Yorba Linda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,729 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Yorba Linda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yorba Linda's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yorba Linda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Yorba Linda's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 7 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 San Antonio C A Riverside Drive Nr Chino, Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino, Carbon C Bl Carbon Cyn Dam, Santiago C A Santa Ana, Santa Ana R A Santa Ana.
Where does Yorba Linda's water come from?
Yorba Linda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,729 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include San Antonio C A Riverside Drive Nr Chino (river), Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino (river), Carbon C Bl Carbon Cyn Dam (river), Santiago C A Santa Ana (river), Santa Ana R A Santa Ana (river).
What Yorba Linda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yorba Linda'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.
Yorba Linda'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 Yorba Linda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Yorba Linda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 14 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTINUOUS COATING CORP ORANGE, CA92865 | Zinc compounds | 7 | 6.8 mi |
VISTA PAINT CORP FULLERTON, CA92831 | Zinc compounds | 6 | 7.3 mi |
HOWMET GLOBAL FASTENING SYSTEMS INC. FULLERTON, CA92831 | Nickel | 1 | 6.9 mi |
BRISTOL INDUSTRIES LLC BREA, CA92821 | Nickel | 0 | 7.0 mi |
ACRA AEROSPACE ANAHEIM, CA92806 | Copper | 0 | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Yorba Linda
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 BASIN9.4 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yorba Linda compares by contaminant
Explore where Yorba Linda ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yorba Linda's water comes from
Yorba Linda'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 1,729 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Yorba Linda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAK GLEN RETREAT | CA3600133 | 576 | GW |
| SONORA ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | CA5500086 | 235 | GW |
| DINGERVILLE USA PARK | CA0400051 | 220 | GW |
| APPLE VALLEY VILLAGE MHE | CA3600400 | 180 | GW |
| CAL ORE MOBILE ESTATES | CA4700546 | 146 | GW |
| OAKHURST MOBILE HOME ESTATES | CA2000593 | 138 | GW |
| ABRAMS LAKE MOBILE ESTATES | CA4700542 | 135 | GW |
| BEND MOBILEHOME & RV PARK | CA5200512 | 99 | GW |
How Yorba Linda compares
Full California rankings →Yorba Linda's score of 75.5/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Yorba Linda, CA
Wikipedia →Yorba Linda is a suburban city in northeastern Orange County, California, United States, with the city hall approximately 27 miles (43 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and had a population of 68,336 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yorba Linda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Bernardino
Frequently asked questions
Is Yorba Linda, CA tap water safe to drink?
Yorba Linda's water quality earned a grade of B (75.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #452 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Yorba Linda's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.
How is Yorba Linda'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 Yorba Linda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yorba Linda's water come from?
Yorba Linda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,729 residents.
What health violations has Yorba Linda's water system had?
Yorba Linda has 38 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Yorba Linda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Yorba Linda 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 87 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 Yorba Linda's water compare to other cities?
Yorba Linda ranks #452 out of 694 cities in California (better than 35% of state cities) and #9565 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.