Is Depoe Bay, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
waterverge.com Depoe Bay, OR — Water Quality Report
Depoe Bay's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,398 residents using surface water.
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 44 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Depoe Bay's water
Depoe Bay ranks #13 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Depoe Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Depoe Bay, OR water safe to drink?
Depoe Bay's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,398 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Depoe Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Depoe Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Heptachlor.
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 Depoe Bay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Depoe Bay's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 6 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 Siletz River.
Where does Depoe Bay's water come from?
Depoe Bay's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,398 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Siletz River (river).
What Depoe Bay residents can do
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.
Depoe Bay'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
Lincoln County has experienced 6 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 Depoe Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Depoe Bay ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Depoe Bay's water comes from
Depoe Bay'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 1,398 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay 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 Depoe Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEPOE BAY, CITY OF | OR4100254 | 1,398 | SW |
How Depoe Bay compares
Full Oregon rankings →Depoe Bay's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Depoe Bay, OR
Wikipedia →Depoe Bay is a city in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States, located on U.S. Route 101 on the Pacific Ocean. As of the 2020 census, Depoe Bay had a population of 1,515. The bay of the same name is a 6-acre (2.4 ha) harbor that the city promotes as the world's smallest navigable harbor.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Depoe Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Depoe Bay, OR tap water safe to drink?
Depoe Bay's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Depoe Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Depoe Bay'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 Depoe Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Depoe Bay's water come from?
Depoe Bay's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,398 residents.
What health violations has Depoe Bay's water system had?
Depoe Bay has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Depoe Bay's water compare to other cities?
Depoe Bay ranks #13 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 94% of state cities) and #2513 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Depoe Bay's small water system affect quality?
Depoe Bay's system serves approximately 1,398 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 44 violations on record.