Is Gearhart, 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 ↓
93.6/100
waterverge.com Gearhart, OR — Water Quality Report
Gearhart's drinking water received a grade of A (93.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,780 residents using purchased 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 21 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Gearhart's water
Gearhart ranks #2 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, Gearhart may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gearhart, OR water safe to drink?
Gearhart's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,780 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gearhart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gearhart's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1099). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gearhart's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gearhart's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clatsop 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.
Where does Gearhart's water come from?
Gearhart's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,780 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Gearhart 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.
Gearhart'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 Gearhart
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gearhart, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP RILEA RANGES WARRENTON, OR97146 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Gearhart
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ASTORIA MARINE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY8.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Clatsop 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 Gearhart compares by contaminant
Explore where Gearhart ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gearhart's water comes from
Gearhart'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 1,780 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gearhart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEARHART WATER DEPARTMENT | OR4100318 | 1,780 | SWP |
How Gearhart compares
Full Oregon rankings →Gearhart's score of 93.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Gearhart, OR
Wikipedia →Gearhart is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Gearhart had a population of 1,793.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gearhart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clatsop
Frequently asked questions
Is Gearhart, OR tap water safe to drink?
Gearhart's water quality earned a grade of A (93.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Gearhart's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Gearhart'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 Gearhart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gearhart's water come from?
Gearhart's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,780 residents.
What health violations has Gearhart's water system had?
Gearhart has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Gearhart's water compare to other cities?
Gearhart ranks #2 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 99% of state cities) and #788 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gearhart's small water system affect quality?
Gearhart's system serves approximately 1,780 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 21 violations on record.