Powdered activated charcoal was prepared from orange peel. Carbonization was done at 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C and 500 °C for an hour and allowed to cool at room temperature. Chemical activation was achieved by impregnating the prepared charcoal with activating reagent 1 N HCl and heated to 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C and 500 °C temperature respectively for an hour. Characteristics of the activated carbon were determined using standard methods given by AWWA and CEFIC. A significant difference in the properties of pH, conductance, ash content, moisture, methylene blue value, iodine value and calorific value were observed on the activated carbons.