Is Colton, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com Colton, OR — Water Quality Report
Colton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 326 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colton's water
Colton ranks #124 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, Colton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 47 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colton, OR water safe to drink?
Colton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Colton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Colton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colton's water system has 326 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 47 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clackamas 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 Nate Creek Tributary, Clackamas River.
Where does Colton's water come from?
Colton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nate Creek Tributary (river), Clackamas River (river).
What Colton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colton'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.
Colton'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
D1 — moderate droughtClackamas County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Clackamas 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.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colton compares by contaminant
Explore where Colton ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colton's water comes from
Colton'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colton
Colton is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Colton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLTON WATER DISTRICT | OR4100202 | 1,500 | SW |
How Colton compares
Full Oregon rankings →Colton's score of 51/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Colton, OR
Wikipedia →Colton is an unincorporated community located in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States, on Oregon Route 211. Colton is located between the cities of Estacada and Molalla.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clackamas
Frequently asked questions
Is Colton, OR tap water safe to drink?
Colton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #124 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Colton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 326 violations are on record.
How is Colton'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 Colton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colton's water come from?
Colton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Colton's water system had?
Colton has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Colton's water compare to other cities?
Colton ranks #124 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 42% of state cities) and #12935 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colton's small water system affect quality?
Colton's system serves approximately 1,500 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 326 violations on record.