Is Gold Beach, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
37.5/100
waterverge.com Gold Beach, OR — Water Quality Report
Gold Beach's drinking water received a grade of F (37.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,075 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 9.1 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 312 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gold Beach's water
Gold Beach ranks #209 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gold Beach 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, Gold Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 54 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gold Beach, OR water safe to drink?
Gold Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,075 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gold Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gold Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37.5/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Gold Beach'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
Gold Beach's water system has 312 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 54 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Curry County has experienced 5 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 Gold Beach's water come from?
Gold Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,075 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gold Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gold Beach'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.
Gold Beach'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 droughtCurry 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
Curry County has experienced 5 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 Gold Beach'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. | 9.1 | 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. | 1.64 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.640 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Gold Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Gold Beach ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gold Beach's water comes from
Gold Beach'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 3,075 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Gold Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLD BEACH, CITY OF | OR4101059 | 3,000 | GU |
| SAUNDERS CREEK HOC | OR4101201 | 75 | GW |
How Gold Beach compares
Full Oregon rankings →Gold Beach's score of 37.5/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Gold Beach, OR
Wikipedia →Gold Beach is a city in and the county seat of Curry County, Oregon, United States, on the Oregon Coast. The population was 2,241 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gold Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Curry
Frequently asked questions
Is Gold Beach, OR tap water safe to drink?
Gold Beach's water quality earned a grade of F (37.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #209 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Gold Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 9.1 ppb (90th percentile). 312 violations are on record.
How is Gold Beach'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 Gold Beach?
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 Gold Beach's water come from?
Gold Beach's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,075 residents.
What health violations has Gold Beach's water system had?
Gold Beach has 3 health-based violations 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gold Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gold Beach 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 312 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 Gold Beach's water compare to other cities?
Gold Beach ranks #209 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 2% of state cities) and #15410 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.