WaterVerge

Is Clarkston, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

763 residents served 1 water system PWSID: UTAH03004
Overall Score
85.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#47 of 177 in Utah Top 34% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.5/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.5/100

Clarkston, UT — Water Quality Report

Clarkston's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.7 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 78 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Clarkston's water

Clarkston ranks #47 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Clarkston 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, Clarkston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.5 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Clarkston, UT water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Clarkston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
3.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Clarkston

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarkston's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4311). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clarkston's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Clarkston's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherRPTMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2018 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Bear River.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4311
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4011
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3223

Where does Clarkston's water come from?

Clarkston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear River (river).

What Clarkston residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clarkston's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Clarkston'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
3.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 25% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

78
Total violations
2
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jan 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

78 Total
8 Active
2 Health-based
70 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
27
Inorganic Chemicals
17
Total Coliform Rule
7
Surface Water Treatment Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Oct 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Sep 2017 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Aug 2017 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2017
Jun 2017 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2017
May 2017 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2017
Apr 2011 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2011
Feb 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Showing 20 of 78 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Clarkston

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clarkston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 51 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
NUCOR STEEL - A DIV OF NUCOR CORP
Primary Metals · NUCOR CORP
PLYMOUTH, UT84330
Barium And Barium Compounds518.6 mi
TMS INTERNATIONAL LLC
Hazardous Waste · TMS INTERNATIONAL CORP
PLYMOUTH, UT84330
7.9 mi
SCHREIBER FOODS INC.
Food · SCHREIBER FOODS INC
SMITHFIELD, UT84335
9.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Cache 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
25.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Apr 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Cache County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2017
SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4311
Aug 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4011
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3223
Mar 1986
HEAVY RAINS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #760

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.7 ppb from 1994 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.7 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Clarkston compares by contaminant

Explore where Clarkston ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
763
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Clarkston's water comes from

Groundwater

Clarkston'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 763 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Clarkston

Clarkston is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Bear River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Clarkston

System Name PWSID Population Source
CLARKSTON TOWN WATER SYSTEM UTAH03004 763 GW
Regional Comparison

How Clarkston compares

Full Utah rankings →

Clarkston's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Clarkston (this city)
85.5
Orem
40.7
Sandy
39.5
Lehi
44.9
Utah avg
50
City Profile

About Clarkston, UT

Economic Profile
$62,321
Median Income
$256,626
Median Home Value
1.3%
Unemployment
Community
42.3
Median Age
275
People / sq mi
23.2%
College Educated
98.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Clarkston, UT tap water safe to drink?

Clarkston's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.

What contaminants are in Clarkston's water?

Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.

How is Clarkston'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 Clarkston?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Clarkston's water come from?

Clarkston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 763 residents.

What health violations has Clarkston's water system had?

Clarkston has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Clarkston's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Clarkston 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 78 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 Clarkston's water compare to other cities?

Clarkston ranks #47 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 73% of state cities) and #5312 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Clarkston's small water system affect quality?

Clarkston's system serves approximately 763 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 78 violations on record.