Is Aurora, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 57 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Aurora, OR — Water Quality Report
Aurora's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,549 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 327 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aurora's water
Aurora ranks #130 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Aurora 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, Aurora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Aurora, OR water safe to drink?
Aurora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,549 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aurora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aurora's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aurora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aurora's water system has 327 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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. Local water sources include Molalla River, Pudding River, Butte Creek, Tualatin River, Willamette River Above Falls,.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,549 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Molalla River (river), Pudding River (river), Butte Creek (river), Tualatin River (river), Willamette River Above Falls, (river).
What Aurora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aurora'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.
Aurora'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 Aurora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aurora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASC SUNSTONE CIRCUITS MULINO, OR97042 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 2 | 8.3 mi |
FOSTER FARMS DONALD FEEDMILL AURORA, OR97002 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
QUIKRETE - OREGON PLANT AURORA, OR97002 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
CLARIOS LLC CANBY, OR97013 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
POTTERS INDUSTRIES LLC CANBY, OR97013 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMarion 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
Marion 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aurora compares by contaminant
Explore where Aurora ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aurora's water comes from
Aurora'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 2,549 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Aurora
Aurora is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Aurora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AURORA, CITY OF | OR4100067 | 1,133 | GW |
| CENTURY MEADOWS INC | OR4100066 | 480 | GW |
| ST PAUL, CITY OF | OR4100727 | 434 | GW |
| DEER CREEK ESTATES | OR4100068 | 350 | GW |
| WESTERN WAGON VILLAGE | OR4100071 | 112 | GW |
| GRIM ESTATES | OR4100006 | 40 | GW |
How Aurora compares
Full Oregon rankings →Aurora's score of 50/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Aurora, OR
Wikipedia →Aurora is a city in Marion County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,133 at the 2020 census, up from 918 in 2010. It is part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aurora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora, OR tap water safe to drink?
Aurora's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #130 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Aurora's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 327 violations are on record.
How is Aurora'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 Aurora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,549 residents.
What health violations has Aurora's water system had?
Aurora has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aurora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aurora 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 327 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 Aurora's water compare to other cities?
Aurora ranks #130 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 39% of state cities) and #13101 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.