WaterVerge

Is Coburg, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: OR4100200
Overall Score
81.2 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#46 of 213 in Oregon Top 48% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
81.2/100
waterverge.com
B+ 81.2/100

Coburg, OR — Water Quality Report

Coburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,299 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 42 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Coburg's water

Coburg ranks #46 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
81.2 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.2/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Coburg, OR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Coburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,299 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Coburg

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Coburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Coburg's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2024 E. COLI Open
Jul 2024 E. COLI Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Lane County has experienced 7 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 Willamette River, Cedar Creek, Mckenzie River, Mohawk River, Mckenzie River.

SEVERE WINTER STORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4055
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3228
FLOODING, LAND, MUD SLIDES, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA DR-1149

Where does Coburg's water come from?

Coburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,299 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Willamette River (river), Cedar Creek (river), Mckenzie River (river), Mohawk River (river), Mckenzie River (river).

What Coburg residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Monitor alerts during storms

Coburg'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

42
Total violations
6
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Nov 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

42 Total
11 Active
6 Health-based
31 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
21
Ground Water Rule
6
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
5
Nitrate Rule
1
Nov 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2021 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Jan 2019 Resolved
COLIPHAGE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2017 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Aug 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2015
Oct 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Sep 2013 Resolved
COLIPHAGE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2013
Showing 20 of 42 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Coburg

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 110,738 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
INTERNATIONAL PAPER
Paper · INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO
SPRINGFIELD, OR97478
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)110,5667.3 mi
ARCLIN USA LLC
Chemicals · ARCLIN INC
SPRINGFIELD, OR97477
Formaldehyde1707.1 mi
ASTEC EUGENE FRANKLIN BLVD
Machinery · ASTEC INDUSTRIES INC
EUGENE, OR97405
Manganese28.9 mi
STELLA-JONES CORP
Wood Products · STELLA-JONES US HOLDING CORP
EUGENE, OR97402
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds06.3 mi
BULK HANDLING SYSTEMS INC
Fabricated Metals · NA
EUGENE, OR97402
7.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Coburg

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Lane 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
32.6%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Mar 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lane County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2012
SEVERE WINTER STORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4055
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3228
Dec 1996
FLOODING, LAND, MUD SLIDES, HIGH WINDS,SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1149
Feb 1996
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1099
Jan 1974
SEVERE STORMS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #413
Jan 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #319

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 2.3 ppb from 1993 (2.3 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,299
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Coburg's water comes from

Groundwater

Coburg'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 1,299 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Coburg

Coburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Willamette River
river
Cedar Creek
river
Mckenzie River
river
Mohawk River
river
Mckenzie River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Coburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
COBURG, CITY OF OR4100200 1,195 GW
COUNTRY VIEW ESTATES WS OR4101403 104 GW
Regional Comparison

How Coburg compares

Full Oregon rankings →

Coburg's score of 81.2/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Coburg (this city)
81.2
Portland
39.4
Beaverton
40.7
Salem
43.6
Eugene
28
Bend
41
Oregon avg
42
City Profile

About Coburg, OR

Economic Profile
$79,732
Median Income
$400,742
Median Home Value
$1,042/mo
Median Rent
12.4%
Unemployment
Community
37.9
Median Age
578
People / sq mi
29.9%
College Educated
81.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Coburg, OR tap water safe to drink?

Coburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.

What contaminants are in Coburg's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.

How is Coburg'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 Coburg?

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

Where does Coburg's water come from?

Coburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,299 residents.

What health violations has Coburg's water system had?

Coburg has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

Is Coburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Coburg 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 42 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 Coburg's water compare to other cities?

Coburg ranks #46 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 78% of state cities) and #7568 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.