Is Amity, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Amity, OR — Water Quality Report
Amity's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,465 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 481 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Amity's water
Amity ranks #147 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Amity relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Amity, OR water safe to drink?
Amity's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,465 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Amity
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Amity's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1099). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Amity's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Amity's water system has 481 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yamhill County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include South Yamhill River.
Where does Amity's water come from?
Amity's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,465 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Yamhill River (river).
What Amity residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Amity's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Amity's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Amity
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Amity, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 38 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CASCADE STEEL ROLLING MILLS INC MCMINNVILLE, OR97128 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 38 | 8.1 mi |
WHEATLAND CONCRETE GERVAIS, OR97026 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
KNIFE RIVER DAYTON ASPHALT DAYTON, OR97114 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
TMS INTERNATIONAL LLC MCMINNVILLE, OR97128 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
ZIEMAN MANUFACTURING-MCMINNVILLE PLANT 107 MCMINNVILLE, OR97128 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Yamhill County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Amity's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Amity compares by contaminant
Explore where Amity ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Amity's water comes from
Amity's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 4,465 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Amity
Amity is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Amity
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERRYDALE DOMESTIC WTR ASSN | OR4101149 | 2,655 | GW |
| AMITY, CITY OF | OR4100041 | 1,810 | SW |
How Amity compares
Full Oregon rankings →Amity's score of 48/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Amity, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Amity's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Amity, OR tap water safe to drink?
Amity's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #147 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Amity's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 481 violations are on record.
How is Amity's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Amity?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Amity's water come from?
Amity's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,465 residents.
What health violations has Amity's water system had?
Amity has 31 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Amity's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Amity uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 481 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Amity's water compare to other cities?
Amity ranks #147 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 31% of state cities) and #13517 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.