Is Cascade Locks, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.9/100
waterverge.com Cascade Locks, OR — Water Quality Report
Cascade Locks's drinking water received a grade of C (64.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,398 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 59 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cascade Locks's water
Cascade Locks ranks #95 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cascade Locks 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, Cascade Locks 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 Cascade Locks, OR water safe to drink?
Cascade Locks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,398 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cascade Locks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cascade Locks's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Cascade Locks'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
Cascade Locks's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hood River 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 Wind River, Columbia River, Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam, Hamilton Creek, Columbia River, Left Bank,.
Where does Cascade Locks's water come from?
Cascade Locks's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,398 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wind River (river), Columbia River (river), Columbia River Below Bonneville Dam (river), Hamilton Creek (river), Columbia River, Left Bank, (river).
What Cascade Locks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cascade Locks'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.
Cascade Locks'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cascade Locks
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.
- BRADFORD ISLAND4.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Hood River 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cascade Locks'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cascade Locks compares by contaminant
Explore where Cascade Locks ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cascade Locks's water comes from
Cascade Locks'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 1,398 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cascade Locks
Cascade Locks is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cascade Locks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASCADE LOCKS, CITY OF | OR4100172 | 1,398 | GW |
How Cascade Locks compares
Full Oregon rankings →Cascade Locks's score of 64.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Cascade Locks, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cascade Locks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hood River
Frequently asked questions
Is Cascade Locks, OR tap water safe to drink?
Cascade Locks's water quality earned a grade of C (64.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #95 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Cascade Locks's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Cascade Locks'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 Cascade Locks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cascade Locks's water come from?
Cascade Locks's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,398 residents.
What health violations has Cascade Locks's water system had?
Cascade Locks has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cascade Locks's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cascade Locks 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 59 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 Cascade Locks's water compare to other cities?
Cascade Locks ranks #95 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 55% of state cities) and #11601 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cascade Locks's small water system affect quality?
Cascade Locks's system serves approximately 1,398 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 59 violations on record.