Is Drain, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.3/100
waterverge.com Drain, OR — Water Quality Report
Drain's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 68 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drain's water
Drain ranks #115 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Drain may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Drain, OR water safe to drink?
Drain's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Drain
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Drain's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.3/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Drain's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Drain's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 8 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 Drain's water come from?
Drain's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Drain residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Drain'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Drain'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
D2 — severe droughtDouglas 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Douglas County has experienced 8 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 Drain'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. | 10.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Drain compares by contaminant
Explore where Drain ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Drain's water comes from
Drain'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 1,194 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Drain
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRAIN, CITY OF | OR4100260 | 1,194 | SW |
How Drain compares
Full Oregon rankings →Drain's score of 58.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Drain, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drain's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Drain, OR tap water safe to drink?
Drain's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #115 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Drain's water?
Lead was measured at 10.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Drain'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 Drain?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Drain's water come from?
Drain's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 residents.
What health violations has Drain's water system had?
Drain has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Drain's water compare to other cities?
Drain ranks #115 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 46% of state cities) and #12293 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Drain's small water system affect quality?
Drain's system serves approximately 1,194 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 68 violations on record.