Is Columbia City, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Columbia City, OR — Water Quality Report
Columbia City's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,995 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 58 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbia City's water
Columbia City ranks #63 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Columbia City 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, Columbia City 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbia City, OR water safe to drink?
Columbia City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,995 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbia City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbia City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Columbia City'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
Columbia City's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia 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.
Where does Columbia City's water come from?
Columbia City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,995 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Columbia City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbia City'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.
Columbia City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Columbia City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbia City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 75,824 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DYNO NOBEL- ST.HELENS PLANT DEER ISLAND, OR97054 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 75,753 | 0.9 mi |
LANXESS CORP KALAMA SITE KALAMA, WA98625 | Toluene | 71 | 8.8 mi |
OWENS-BROCKWAY GLASS CONTAINER INC - PLANT #02 KALAMA, WA98625 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS LP - RIDGEFIELD FACILITY RIDGEFIELD, WA98642 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
SIMONDS INTERNATIONAL RIDGEFIELD, WA98642 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Columbia 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Columbia City'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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Columbia City compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbia City ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbia City's water comes from
Columbia City'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 1,995 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Columbia City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA CITY MUN WATERWORKS | OR4100203 | 1,995 | GW |
How Columbia City compares
Full Oregon rankings →Columbia City's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Columbia City, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbia City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia City, OR tap water safe to drink?
Columbia City's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #63 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Columbia City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.
How is Columbia City'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 Columbia City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbia City's water come from?
Columbia City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,995 residents.
What health violations has Columbia City's water system had?
Columbia City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbia City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbia City 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 58 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 Columbia City's water compare to other cities?
Columbia City ranks #63 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 70% of state cities) and #9039 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Columbia City's small water system affect quality?
Columbia City's system serves approximately 1,995 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 58 violations on record.