Is Grand Ronde, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Grand Ronde, OR — Water Quality Report
Grand Ronde's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 262 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Ronde's water
Grand Ronde ranks #129 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Grand Ronde 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.
As a small community water system, Grand Ronde may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Ronde, OR water safe to drink?
Grand Ronde's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Ronde
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Ronde's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment 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 Grand Ronde's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grand Ronde's water system has 262 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk 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 Grand Ronde's water come from?
Grand Ronde's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Grand Ronde residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Ronde'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.
Grand Ronde'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 Grand Ronde
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grand Ronde, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP SHERIDAN, OR97378 | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds | 1 | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grand Ronde
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.
- TAYLOR LUMBER AND TREATING9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Polk 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Ronde compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Ronde ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Ronde's water comes from
Grand Ronde'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,800 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Grand Ronde
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY WTR ASSN | OR4100338 | 2,500 | GW |
| ROCK CREEK WATER DISTRICT | OR4100337 | 300 | SW |
How Grand Ronde compares
Full Oregon rankings →Grand Ronde's score of 50/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Grand Ronde, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Ronde's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Ronde, OR tap water safe to drink?
Grand Ronde's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #129 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Grand Ronde's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 262 violations are on record.
How is Grand Ronde'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 Grand Ronde?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Ronde's water come from?
Grand Ronde's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 residents.
What health violations has Grand Ronde's water system had?
Grand Ronde has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grand Ronde's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grand Ronde 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 262 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 Grand Ronde's water compare to other cities?
Grand Ronde ranks #129 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 39% of state cities) and #13095 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.