Is Garibaldi, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.2/100
waterverge.com Garibaldi, OR — Water Quality Report
Garibaldi's drinking water received a grade of C (60.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,287 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 76 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garibaldi's water
Garibaldi ranks #106 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Garibaldi 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.
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, Garibaldi may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garibaldi, OR water safe to drink?
Garibaldi's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,287 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Garibaldi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garibaldi's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Garibaldi'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Garibaldi's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tillamook 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. Local water sources include Wilson River, Trask River.
Where does Garibaldi's water come from?
Garibaldi's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,287 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wilson River (river), Trask River (river).
What Garibaldi residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garibaldi'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.
Garibaldi'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
Tillamook 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 Garibaldi'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. | 7.0 | 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. | 2.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.700 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Garibaldi compares by contaminant
Explore where Garibaldi ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garibaldi's water comes from
Garibaldi'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 1,287 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Garibaldi
Garibaldi is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Garibaldi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARIBALDI WATER SYSTEM | OR4100311 | 837 | GW |
| WATSECO-BARVIEW WATER DISTRICT | OR4101173 | 450 | GWP |
How Garibaldi compares
Full Oregon rankings →Garibaldi's score of 60.2/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Garibaldi, OR
Wikipedia →Garibaldi is a city in Tillamook County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The population was 830 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garibaldi's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Garibaldi, OR tap water safe to drink?
Garibaldi's water quality earned a grade of C (60.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #106 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Garibaldi's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Garibaldi'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 Garibaldi?
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 Garibaldi's water come from?
Garibaldi's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,287 residents.
What health violations has Garibaldi's water system had?
Garibaldi has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Garibaldi's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Garibaldi 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 76 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 Garibaldi's water compare to other cities?
Garibaldi ranks #106 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 50% of state cities) and #12107 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.