Is Boring, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 39 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Boring, OR — Water Quality Report
Boring's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 4,003 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 723 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Boring's water
Boring ranks #127 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Boring 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.
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 Boring, OR water safe to drink?
Boring'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 7 water systems serve approximately 4,003 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Boring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boring's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform 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 Boring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Boring's water system has 723 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clackamas 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 Sandy River, Kelly Creek, Beaver Creek, Clackamas River, Clear Creek.
Where does Boring's water come from?
Boring's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 4,003 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sandy River (river), Kelly Creek (river), Beaver Creek (river), Clackamas River (river), Clear Creek (river).
What Boring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boring'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.
Boring'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 Boring
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Boring, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 75 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOEING CO OF PORTLAND PORTLAND, OR97230 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 62 | 9.2 mi |
EXTERIOR WOOD INC WASHOUGAL, WA98671 | Copper compounds | 12 | 9.8 mi |
PCC STRUCTURALS INC SMALL STRUCTURALS BUSINESS OPERATION CLACKAMAS, OR97015 | Chromium | 1 | 9.7 mi |
CASCADE CORP FAIRVIEW, OR97024 | Copper | 0 | 8.4 mi |
SHAW'S FIBERGLASS & PLASTICS INC. DAMASCUS, OR97089 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Boring
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- REYNOLDS METALS COMPANY8.8 mi
- NORTHWEST PIPE CASING HALL PROCESS COMPANY9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtClackamas 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
Clackamas 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Boring compares by contaminant
Explore where Boring ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boring's water comes from
Boring'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 4,003 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Boring
Boring is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Boring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BORING WATER DISTRICT NO 24 | OR4100135 | 2,500 | GW |
| BIG VALLEY WOODS WATER CORP | OR4101068 | 550 | GW |
| PIONEER MOBILE HOME PARK | OR4100142 | 400 | GW |
| EASTMONT WATER COMPANY | OR4100138 | 250 | GW |
| BARLOW TRAIL ESTATES | OR4100140 | 180 | GW |
| ORIENT DRIVE MOBILE ESTATES | OR4100141 | 83 | GW |
| RANCHERO PETITE IMPROV DIST | OR4100139 | 40 | GW |
How Boring compares
Full Oregon rankings →Boring'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 Boring, OR
Wikipedia →Boring is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States. It is located along Oregon Route 212 in the foothills of the Cascade mountain range, approximately twelve miles (19 km) southeast of downtown Portland, and fourteen miles (23 km) northeast of Oregon City. A bedroom community, Boring is named after William Harrison Boring, a Union soldier and pioneer whose family built a farm in the area in 1856, before Oregon had received statehood.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clackamas
Frequently asked questions
Is Boring, OR tap water safe to drink?
Boring's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #127 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Boring's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 723 violations are on record.
How is Boring'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 Boring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boring's water come from?
Boring's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 4,003 residents.
What health violations has Boring's water system had?
Boring has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 39 violations remain unresolved.
Is Boring's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Boring 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 723 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 Boring's water compare to other cities?
Boring ranks #127 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 40% of state cities) and #13076 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.