Is Glendale, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.6/100
waterverge.com Glendale, OR — Water Quality Report
Glendale's drinking water received a grade of B (75.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 88 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glendale's water
Glendale ranks #67 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Glendale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glendale, OR water safe to drink?
Glendale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glendale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glendale's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Surface Water Treatment 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 Glendale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Glendale's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 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 Glendale's water come from?
Glendale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 864 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Glendale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glendale'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.
Glendale'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 Glendale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glendale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SWANSON GROUP MFG GLENDALE PLYWOOD GLENDALE, OR97442 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Glendale
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.
- FORMOSA MINE8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Glendale'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. | 2.4 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.750 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Glendale compares by contaminant
Explore where Glendale ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glendale's water comes from
Glendale'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 864 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Glendale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENDALE, CITY OF | OR4100323 | 864 | SW |
How Glendale compares
Full Oregon rankings →Glendale's score of 75.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Glendale, OR
Wikipedia →Glendale is a city in Douglas County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Glendale had a population of 858.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glendale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Glendale, OR tap water safe to drink?
Glendale's water quality earned a grade of B (75.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #67 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Glendale's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Glendale'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 Glendale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glendale's water come from?
Glendale's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 864 residents.
What health violations has Glendale's water system had?
Glendale has 42 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glendale's water compare to other cities?
Glendale ranks #67 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 69% of state cities) and #9538 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glendale's small water system affect quality?
Glendale's system serves approximately 864 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 88 violations on record.