Is Irrigon, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Irrigon, OR — Water Quality Report
Irrigon's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,230 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 141 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Irrigon's water
Irrigon ranks #141 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Irrigon 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, Irrigon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Irrigon, OR water safe to drink?
Irrigon'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 2 water systems serve approximately 2,230 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Irrigon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Irrigon's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: COLIPHAGE.
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 Irrigon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Irrigon's water system has 141 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morrow 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.
Where does Irrigon's water come from?
Irrigon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,230 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Irrigon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Irrigon'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.
Irrigon'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 Irrigon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Irrigon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLUMBIA RIVER PROCESSING BOARDMAN, OR97818 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
COLUMBIA RIVER TECHNOLOGIES BOARDMAN, OR97818 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
LAMB WESTON INC. BOARDMAN, OR97818 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
LAMB WESTON INC. HERMISTON, OR97838 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
AMERICAN ROCK PRODUCTS HERMISTON HERMISTON, OR97838 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Irrigon
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.
- UMATILLA ARMY DEPOT LAGOONS4.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMorrow 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
Morrow 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Irrigon compares by contaminant
Explore where Irrigon ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Irrigon's water comes from
Irrigon'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 2,230 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Irrigon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRRIGON, CITY OF | OR4100403 | 2,133 | GW |
| GREEN ACRES | OR4195168 | 97 | GW |
How Irrigon compares
Full Oregon rankings →Irrigon'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 Irrigon, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Irrigon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morrow
Frequently asked questions
Is Irrigon, OR tap water safe to drink?
Irrigon's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #141 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Irrigon's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 141 violations are on record.
How is Irrigon'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 Irrigon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Irrigon's water come from?
Irrigon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,230 residents.
What health violations has Irrigon's water system had?
Irrigon has 2 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. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Irrigon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Irrigon 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 141 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 Irrigon's water compare to other cities?
Irrigon ranks #141 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 34% of state cities) and #13345 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.