Is Gold Hill, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Gold Hill, OR — Water Quality Report
Gold Hill's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,392 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 211 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gold Hill's water
Gold Hill ranks #143 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.
As a small community water system, Gold Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 83 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gold Hill, OR water safe to drink?
Gold Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,392 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gold Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gold Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-413). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gold Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gold Hill's water system has 211 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 83 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 3 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 Rogue River.
Where does Gold Hill's water come from?
Gold Hill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,392 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rogue River (river).
What Gold Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gold Hill'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.
Gold Hill'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 Gold Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gold Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS LLC MEDFORD PLYWOOD MEDFORD, OR97501 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.4 mi |
PLYCEM USA LLC WHITE CITY, OR97503 | Lead | 0 | 9.2 mi |
MDU RESOURCES CENTRAL POINT CONCRETE CENTRAL POINT, OR97502 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC. WHITE CITY, OR97503 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS LLC-EWP PLANT WHITE CITY, OR97503 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJackson 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
Jackson County has experienced 3 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gold Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Gold Hill ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gold Hill's water comes from
Gold Hill'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 1,392 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Gold Hill
Gold Hill is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gold Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLD HILL, CITY OF | OR4100333 | 1,220 | SW |
| MEDFORD GOLD HILL KOA | OR4191540 | 100 | GW |
| CYPRESS GROVE RV PARK | OR4194910 | 72 | GW |
How Gold Hill compares
Full Oregon rankings →Gold Hill's score of 49/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Gold Hill, OR
Wikipedia →Gold Hill is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Gold Hill had a population of 1,335. It is along a bend of the Rogue River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gold Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Gold Hill, OR tap water safe to drink?
Gold Hill's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #143 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Gold Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 211 violations are on record.
How is Gold Hill'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 Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gold Hill's water come from?
Gold Hill's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,392 residents.
What health violations has Gold Hill's water system had?
Gold Hill has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gold Hill's water compare to other cities?
Gold Hill ranks #143 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 33% of state cities) and #13365 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.