Is Athena, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Athena, OR — Water Quality Report
Athena's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 38 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Athena's water
Athena ranks #20 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Athena 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.
As a small community water system, Athena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Athena, OR water safe to drink?
Athena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Athena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Athena's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Athena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Athena's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Umatilla County has experienced 6 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 Meacham Creek.
Where does Athena's water come from?
Athena's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Meacham Creek (river).
What Athena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Athena'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.
Athena'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 Athena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Athena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LAKESIDE FOODS INC. WESTON, OR97886 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtUmatilla County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Umatilla County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Athena compares by contaminant
Explore where Athena ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Athena's water comes from
Athena'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,238 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Athena
Athena is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Athena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATHENA, CITY OF | OR4100064 | 1,238 | GW |
How Athena compares
Full Oregon rankings →Athena's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Athena, OR
Wikipedia →Athena is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Athena had a population of 1,209. It is part of the Hermiston-Pendleton Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Athena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Umatilla
Frequently asked questions
Is Athena, OR tap water safe to drink?
Athena's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Athena's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Athena'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 Athena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Athena's water come from?
Athena's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 residents.
What health violations has Athena's water system had?
Athena has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Athena's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Athena 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 38 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 Athena's water compare to other cities?
Athena ranks #20 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 91% of state cities) and #3364 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Athena's small water system affect quality?
Athena's system serves approximately 1,238 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 38 violations on record.