WaterVerge

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 ↓

2K residents served 8 water systems PWSID: CA3600133
Overall Score
75.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#452 of 694 in California Top 61% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
75.5/100
waterverge.com
B 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
75.5 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
25.5/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
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 Yorba Linda, CA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

8
Active Violations
0.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Yorba Linda

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yorba Linda's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.

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.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yorba Linda's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MONRPTMRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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.

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 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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yorba Linda's water.

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

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 4% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

87
Total violations
38
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

87 Total
8 Active
38 Health-based
79 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
38
Miscellaneous Other Rules
16
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
14
Lead and Copper Rule
7
Nitrate Rule
4
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2025
May 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Apr 2025
Jan 2019 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Oct 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2015
Aug 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2015
Nov 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2014
Oct 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2014
Sep 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2014
Sep 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2014
Showing 20 of 87 violations
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CONTINUOUS COATING CORP
Fabricated Metals · USG CORP
ORANGE, CA92865
Zinc compounds76.8 mi
VISTA PAINT CORP
Chemicals · VISTA PAINT CORP
FULLERTON, CA92831
Zinc compounds67.3 mi
HOWMET GLOBAL FASTENING SYSTEMS INC.
Fabricated Metals · HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
FULLERTON, CA92831
Nickel16.9 mi
BRISTOL INDUSTRIES LLC
Fabricated Metals · STANLEY BLACK & DECKER
BREA, CA92821
Nickel07.0 mi
ACRA AEROSPACE
Transportation Equipment · NOVARIA GROUP
ANAHEIM, CA92806
Copper07.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

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) 0.6 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 58.7 ppb from 1992 (58.7 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,729
Water Systems
8
Water Source

Where Yorba Linda's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

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
Regional Comparison

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.

Yorba Linda (this city)
75.5
Oakland
77.9
San Diego
39.7
Sacramento
31.2
California avg
57
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$148,325
Median Income
$990,910
Median Home Value
$2,523/mo
Median Rent
4.6%
Unemployment
Community
44.3
Median Age
1,317
People / sq mi
55.2%
College Educated
82.7%
Homeownership
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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.