Is Bay City, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Bay City, OR — Water Quality Report
Bay City's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 60 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bay City's water
Bay City ranks #58 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bay City 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, Bay City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bay City, OR water safe to drink?
Bay City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bay City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bay City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Groundwater Rule, Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Bay City'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
Bay City's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Wilson River, Trask River.
Where does Bay City's water come from?
Bay City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wilson River (river), Trask River (river).
What Bay City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bay City'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.
Bay City'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 Bay City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bay City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STIMSON LUMBER CO - TILLAMOOK TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | Lead compounds | 0 | 8.0 mi |
TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOC TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
CHS NUTRITION TILLAMOOK TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Bay City'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 1.42 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bay City compares by contaminant
Explore where Bay City ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bay City's water comes from
Bay City'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bay City
Bay City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bay City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAY CITY WATER SYSTEM | OR4100079 | 1,400 | GW |
How Bay City compares
Full Oregon rankings →Bay City's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Bay City, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bay City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Bay City, OR tap water safe to drink?
Bay City's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #58 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Bay City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Bay City'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 Bay City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bay City's water come from?
Bay City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Bay City's water system had?
Bay City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bay City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bay City 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 60 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 Bay City's water compare to other cities?
Bay City ranks #58 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 73% of state cities) and #8606 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bay City's small water system affect quality?
Bay City's system serves approximately 1,400 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 60 violations on record.