Water Quality: Lake Forest, CA
2 water systems • 51,980 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Lake Forest is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 51,980 people, and has 52 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 43 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Lake Forest's violation count is 8% above the national average for California. Contaminants associated with violations include Barium, Haloacetic Acids, Selenium, Stage 2 DBP.
Contaminants Found
Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Hair loss, nail brittleness, and nervous system damage at elevated concentrations.
Common source: Natural geological deposits, mining discharges, oil refinery waste
EPA limit: 0.05 mg/L (50 ppb)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Water Systems Serving Lake Forest
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL TORO WATER DISTRICT | CA3010079 | Surface Water | 51,800 | 0 |
| ORTEGA OAKS RV PARK&CAMPGROUND | CA3301482 | Groundwater | 180 | 52 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in California
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.