Is Banks, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Banks, OR — Water Quality Report
Banks's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,470 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 186 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Banks's water
Banks ranks #45 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above 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, Banks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Banks, OR water safe to drink?
Banks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,470 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Banks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Banks's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment 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 Banks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Banks's water system has 186 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Scoggins, Tualatin River, Ef Dairy, Gales Creek, Mckay Creek Trib.
Where does Banks's water come from?
Banks's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,470 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Scoggins (river), Tualatin River (river), Ef Dairy (river), Gales Creek (river), Mckay Creek Trib (river).
What Banks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Banks'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.
Banks'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 Banks
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Banks, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TTM TECHNOLOGIES N.A. LLC FOREST GROVE, OR97116 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 0 | 7.0 mi |
WESTAK OF OREGON FOREST GROVE, OR97116 | Copper compounds | 0 | 6.4 mi |
SHELDON MANUFACTURING INC. CORNELIUS, OR97113 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
DMH INC FOREST GROVE, OR97116 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
HILLSBORO CONCRETE HILLSBORO, OR97123 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Washington 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Banks compares by contaminant
Explore where Banks ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Banks's water comes from
Banks'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,470 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Banks
Banks is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Banks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BANKS WATER DEPARTMENT | OR4100076 | 2,070 | SW |
| STAR SATELLITE IMPROV DIST | OR4100077 | 400 | GW |
How Banks compares
Full Oregon rankings →Banks's score of 81.2/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Banks, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Banks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Banks, OR tap water safe to drink?
Banks's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Banks's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 186 violations are on record.
How is Banks'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 Banks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Banks's water come from?
Banks's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,470 residents.
What health violations has Banks's water system had?
Banks has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Banks's water compare to other cities?
Banks ranks #45 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 79% of state cities) and #7560 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.