Is Cove, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Cove, OR — Water Quality Report
Cove's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 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 14 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cove's water
Cove ranks #11 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cove 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, Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cove, OR water safe to drink?
Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cove's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 4 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 Cove's water come from?
Cove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cove'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.
Cove'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 droughtUnion 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
Union County has experienced 4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where Cove ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cove's water comes from
Cove'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 550 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COVE, CITY OF | OR4101243 | 550 | GW |
How Cove compares
Full Oregon rankings →Cove's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Cove, OR
Wikipedia →Cove is a city in Union County, Oregon, United States. The population was 620 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Cove, OR tap water safe to drink?
Cove's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Cove'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 Cove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cove's water come from?
Cove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.
What health violations has Cove's water system had?
Cove has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cove 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 14 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 Cove's water compare to other cities?
Cove ranks #11 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 95% of state cities) and #2215 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cove's small water system affect quality?
Cove's system serves approximately 550 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 14 violations on record.