Is Cannon Beach, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.3/100
waterverge.com Cannon Beach, OR — Water Quality Report
Cannon Beach's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,710 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 71 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cannon Beach's water
Cannon Beach ranks #85 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cannon Beach 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, Cannon Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cannon Beach, OR water safe to drink?
Cannon Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,710 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cannon Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cannon Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.3/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Cannon Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cannon Beach's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clatsop 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.
Where does Cannon Beach's water come from?
Cannon Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,710 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cannon Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cannon Beach'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.
Cannon Beach'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
Flood & disaster history
Clatsop 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cannon Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Cannon Beach ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cannon Beach's water comes from
Cannon Beach'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 1,710 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cannon Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANNON BEACH, CITY OF | OR4100164 | 1,710 | GW |
How Cannon Beach compares
Full Oregon rankings →Cannon Beach's score of 69.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Cannon Beach, OR
Wikipedia →Cannon Beach is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cannon Beach had a population of 1,489. It is a popular coastal Oregon tourist destination, famous for Haystack Rock, a 235 ft (72 m) sea stack that juts out along the coast. In 2013, National Geographic listed it as "one of the world's 100 most beautiful places."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cannon Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clatsop
Frequently asked questions
Is Cannon Beach, OR tap water safe to drink?
Cannon Beach's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #85 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Cannon Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Cannon Beach'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 Cannon Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cannon Beach's water come from?
Cannon Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,710 residents.
What health violations has Cannon Beach's water system had?
Cannon Beach has 3 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cannon Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cannon Beach 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 71 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 Cannon Beach's water compare to other cities?
Cannon Beach ranks #85 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 60% of state cities) and #10945 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cannon Beach's small water system affect quality?
Cannon Beach's system serves approximately 1,710 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 71 violations on record.