Is Antelope, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
58.6/100
waterverge.com Antelope, OR — Water Quality Report
Antelope's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 543 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 177 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Antelope's water
Antelope ranks #113 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Antelope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Antelope, OR water safe to drink?
Antelope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 543 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Antelope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Antelope's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, TTHM.
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 Antelope'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
Antelope's water system has 177 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wasco County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Antelope's water come from?
Antelope's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 543 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Antelope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Antelope'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.
Antelope'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWasco County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Wasco County has experienced 5 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 Antelope'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. | 1.6 | 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. | 2.31 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Antelope compares by contaminant
Explore where Antelope ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Antelope's water comes from
Antelope's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 543 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Antelope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOUNG LIFE | OR4101246 | 497 | SW |
| ANTELOPE, CITY OF | OR4100042 | 46 | GW |
How Antelope compares
Full Oregon rankings →Antelope's score of 58.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Antelope, OR
Wikipedia →Antelope is a city in rural Wasco County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Antelope had a population of 37.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Antelope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wasco
Frequently asked questions
Is Antelope, OR tap water safe to drink?
Antelope's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #113 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Antelope's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 177 violations are on record.
How is Antelope'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 Antelope?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Antelope's water come from?
Antelope's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 543 residents.
What health violations has Antelope's water system had?
Antelope has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Antelope's water compare to other cities?
Antelope ranks #113 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 47% of state cities) and #12268 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.