Oregon Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 15th in Nation | WaterQ
Oregon ranks 15th out of 50 states for drinking water quality, earning a grade of B with an average score of 87. The state's water infrastructure serves a population of 3,650,914 through 233 water systems.
Key Findings for Oregon
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Oregon's water quality landscape:
- The Pacific Northwest region, with its forested mountains and coastline, provides Oregon with generally clean source water, though it must still be managed and monitored.
- Across the state's 233 water systems, a historical total of 9,599 violations highlights the ongoing need for rigorous compliance and infrastructure oversight.
- Older housing stock across the state poses potential risks for lead exposure through aging service lines and household plumbing fixtures.
Most Common Contaminants in Oregon
Here's what Oregon residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Disinfection Byproducts
These compounds can form when chlorine used for water treatment reacts with naturally occurring organic materials found in source waters.
Lead
Lead typically enters drinking water via the corrosion of household plumbing materials and older water service lines.
Nitrate
Often originating from agricultural fertilizer runoff or septic systems, nitrate can filter into regional groundwater supplies.
Oregon's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
For specific information on individual municipalities, please refer to the detailed breakdown on the state page to view localized water system records. Explore the full breakdown on our Oregon water systems page.
What Oregon Residents Should Do
Given Oregon's 15th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Search for your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report to see specific testing data.
- Test private wells regularly, as they are not subject to federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.
- Consider using an appropriate water filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants found in your local supply.
- Check the EPA's violation history database to monitor the compliance record of your water utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Oregon water quality compare to other states?
Oregon ranks 15th out of 50 states for drinking water quality. The state receives a grade of B and has an average score of 87.
What are the most common contaminants in Oregon tap water?
Common general contaminants include disinfection byproducts from treatment processes, lead from aging household pipes, and nitrate from agricultural runoff.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Oregon?
With a B grade and a rank of 15th nationwide, Oregon's tap water is generally reliable and benefits from clean source waters. However, local infrastructure and plumbing can introduce contaminants, so reviewing local water utility reports is advised.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.