Is Island City, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Island City, OR — Water Quality Report
Island City's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,166 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 109 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Island City's water
Island City ranks #132 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Island City 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, Island City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 59 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Island City, OR water safe to drink?
Island City'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,166 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Island City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Island City's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). 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 Island City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Island City's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 59 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 4 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 Island City's water come from?
Island City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,166 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Island City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Island City'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.
Island City'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 Island City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Island City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HEXION INC. ISLAND CITY, OR97850 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
KRONOSPAN LA GRANDE LLC LA GRANDE, OR97850 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtUnion County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Union County has experienced 4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Island City compares by contaminant
Explore where Island City ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Island City's water comes from
Island City'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 1,166 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Island City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISLAND CITY | OR4100454 | 1,166 | GW |
How Island City compares
Full Oregon rankings →Island City'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 Island City, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Island City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Island City, OR tap water safe to drink?
Island City's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #132 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Island City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.
How is Island City'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 Island City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Island City's water come from?
Island City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,166 residents.
What health violations has Island City's water system had?
Island City has 5 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Island City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Island City 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 109 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 Island City's water compare to other cities?
Island City ranks #132 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 38% of state cities) and #13158 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Island City's small water system affect quality?
Island City's system serves approximately 1,166 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 109 violations on record.