WaterQ
Oregon State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Salem tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Salem scores 84/100.

Safety Score
84
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Salem?

Read Decision Guide →

Salem

Oregon

View Oregon state report Verified: Apr 2026

Is Salem tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Salem scores 84/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Salem. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 02:45 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Salem.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Salem?

Requirement Status
Recommended
🟡
💡

Expert Advice

Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Salem? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Salem tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Salem, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (84/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Trichloroethylene (TCE) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Score Breakdown for Salem

EPA Compliance & Violations 85/100
Contaminant Safety Margin 84%

*Scores are calculated using weighted EPA monitoring data from the past 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salem tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Salem scores 84/100.

How many water systems serve Salem?

Salem is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Salem?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Salem.

What is the water quality score for Salem?

The water quality score for Salem is N/A out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Salem?

The top contaminants detected in Salem include Trichloroethylene (TCE), Barium, Arsenic. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
84/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
2
Population
213,720

Salem Water Quality Summary

Salem, OR receives a water quality score of 84/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.

Salem's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology →

Key Contaminants

Trichloroethylene (TCE) Violation
9.3722 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Barium
1.9148 / 2 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 2 mg/L
Arsenic
6.914 / 10 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 10 μg/L
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
0.0021 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Chromium (Total)
47.2324 / 100 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 100 μg/L
Nitrate
3.6787 / 10 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 10 mg/L
Manganese
18.037 / 50 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 50 μg/L

Water Systems Serving Salem (1)

Related

Compare Salem water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality