Is Cloverdale, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
38.3/100
waterverge.com Cloverdale, OR — Water Quality Report
Cloverdale's drinking water received a grade of F (38.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 990 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 254 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cloverdale's water
Cloverdale ranks #208 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 37.5 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Cloverdale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cloverdale, OR water safe to drink?
Cloverdale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 990 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cloverdale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cloverdale's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38.3/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Cloverdale's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cloverdale's water system has 254 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Nestucca River.
Where does Cloverdale's water come from?
Cloverdale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 990 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nestucca River (river).
What Cloverdale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cloverdale'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cloverdale'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
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Cloverdale'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. | 6.5 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cloverdale compares by contaminant
Explore where Cloverdale ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cloverdale's water comes from
Cloverdale'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 990 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Cloverdale
Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER WATER DISTRICT | OR4100199 | 600 | SW |
| CLOVERDALE WATER DISTRICT | OR4100886 | 310 | GW |
| TIERRA DEL MAR WATER CO | OR4100610 | 80 | SW |
How Cloverdale compares
Full Oregon rankings →Cloverdale's score of 38.3/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Cloverdale, OR
Wikipedia →Cloverdale is an unincorporated community in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Cloverdale as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. As of the 2020 census, Cloverdale had a population of 267.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cloverdale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloverdale, OR tap water safe to drink?
Cloverdale's water quality earned a grade of F (38.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #208 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Cloverdale's water?
Lead was measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile). 254 violations are on record.
How is Cloverdale'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 Cloverdale?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cloverdale's water come from?
Cloverdale's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 990 residents.
What health violations has Cloverdale's water system had?
Cloverdale has 5 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cloverdale's water compare to other cities?
Cloverdale ranks #208 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 2% of state cities) and #15349 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.