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ZIP Code 94556 Water Quality Report

Moraga, CA · Contra Costa County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

14

Total Violations

18

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 12 unresolved violations. Contact EAST BAY MUD for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 94556

Tap water in ZIP code 94556 (Moraga, CA) receives a C grade (score: 66/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from EAST BAY MUD is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

EAST BAY MUD

EPA ID: CA0110005

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

1,442,800 residents

County

Contra Costa County County, California

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Lead Levels in ZIP 94556

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 6.5 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 94556 is 6.5 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 94556 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 66% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
6.50 ppb (0.0065 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

66%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

EAST BAY MUD has recorded 14 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 12 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
18
Health-Based Violations
14
Unresolved Violations
12
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. EAST BAY MUD has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 94556: Barium, Stage 2 DBP Rule. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

BariumStage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

4 enforcement actions have been issued against EAST BAY MUD — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.83%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 94556 Recommendations

  • Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 94556 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 94556?+
Tap water in 94556 (Moraga, CA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 94556 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 94556 is 6.5 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 94556?+
Tap water in ZIP code 94556 is provided by EAST BAY MUD (EPA ID: CA0110005). This system serves approximately 1,442,800 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 94556?+
ZIP code 94556 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 94556 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 12 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact EAST BAY MUD for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 94556?+
Your water utility — EAST BAY MUD — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "EAST BAY MUD Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 94556?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 94556, with detected contaminants including Barium and Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 94556 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 6.5 ppb in 94556, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 94556 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by EAST BAY MUD. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →