Is Cave Junction, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Cave Junction, OR — Water Quality Report
Cave Junction's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,593 residents using surface water.
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 523 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cave Junction's water
Cave Junction ranks #160 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below 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, Cave Junction may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 206 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cave Junction, OR water safe to drink?
Cave Junction's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,593 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cave Junction
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cave Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Cave Junction'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
Cave Junction's water system has 523 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 206 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Josephine County has experienced 4 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 Illinois River.
Where does Cave Junction's water come from?
Cave Junction's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,593 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Illinois River (river).
What Cave Junction residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cave Junction'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.
Cave Junction'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJosephine County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Josephine County has experienced 4 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 Cave Junction'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. | 3.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cave Junction compares by contaminant
Explore where Cave Junction ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cave Junction's water comes from
Cave Junction'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 2,593 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Cave Junction
Cave Junction is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cave Junction
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAVE JUNCTION, CITY OF | OR4100971 | 2,160 | SW |
| KERBY WATER DISTRICT | OR4101521 | 400 | SWP |
| CASCADE GORGE PROPERTIES | OR4191556 | 33 | SW |
How Cave Junction compares
Full Oregon rankings →Cave Junction's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Cave Junction, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cave Junction's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Josephine
Frequently asked questions
Is Cave Junction, OR tap water safe to drink?
Cave Junction's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #160 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Cave Junction's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 523 violations are on record.
How is Cave Junction'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 Cave Junction?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cave Junction's water come from?
Cave Junction's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,593 residents.
What health violations has Cave Junction's water system had?
Cave Junction has 60 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. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cave Junction's water compare to other cities?
Cave Junction ranks #160 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 25% of state cities) and #14273 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.