Is Jacksonville, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66/100
waterverge.com Jacksonville, OR — Water Quality Report
Jacksonville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,197 residents using purchased 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 204 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jacksonville's water
Jacksonville ranks #92 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Jacksonville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jacksonville, OR water safe to drink?
Jacksonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,197 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jacksonville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jacksonville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Jacksonville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jacksonville's water system has 204 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 11 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 Bear Creek, Rogue River, Little Applegate River.
Where does Jacksonville's water come from?
Jacksonville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,197 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river), Rogue River (river), Little Applegate River (river).
What Jacksonville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jacksonville'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.
Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jacksonville, 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 | 4.6 mi |
PLYCEM USA LLC WHITE CITY, OR97503 | Lead | 0 | 9.9 mi |
ROSEBURG FOREST PRODUCTS CO. - MEDFORD MDF MEDFORD, OR97501 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
TIMBER PRODUCTS CO MEDFORD MEDFORD, OR97501 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
MDU RESOURCES CENTRAL POINT CONCRETE CENTRAL POINT, OR97502 | — | — | 7.9 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 Jacksonville compares by contaminant
Explore where Jacksonville ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jacksonville's water comes from
Jacksonville'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 3,197 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Jacksonville
Jacksonville is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jacksonville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACKSONVILLE, CITY OF | OR4100405 | 3,012 | SWP |
| SUNSHINE VILLAGE | OR4100406 | 95 | GW |
| RYANS OUTPOST | OR4100407 | 65 | GW |
| SUNNY SLOPE MOBILE RANCH | OR4100335 | 25 | GW |
How Jacksonville compares
Full Oregon rankings →Jacksonville's score of 66/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Jacksonville, OR
Wikipedia →Jacksonville is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States, approximately 5 miles (8 km) west of Medford. It was named for Jackson Creek, which flows through the community and was the site of one of the first placer gold claims in the area. It includes Jacksonville Historic District, which was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1966. As of the 2020 census, Jacksonville had a population of 3,020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jacksonville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Jacksonville, OR tap water safe to drink?
Jacksonville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #92 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Jacksonville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 204 violations are on record.
How is Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jacksonville's water come from?
Jacksonville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,197 residents.
What health violations has Jacksonville's water system had?
Jacksonville has 10 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. 35 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jacksonville's water compare to other cities?
Jacksonville ranks #92 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 57% of state cities) and #11439 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.