Is Jefferson, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.5/100
waterverge.com Jefferson, OR — Water Quality Report
Jefferson's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,413 residents using surface water.
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 161 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jefferson's water
Jefferson ranks #91 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.
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 Jefferson, OR water safe to drink?
Jefferson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,413 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jefferson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jefferson's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Jefferson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jefferson's water system has 161 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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. Local water sources include Calapooia River, Willamette River, North Santiam R, Crabtree Creek, Santiam River.
Where does Jefferson's water come from?
Jefferson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,413 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Calapooia River (river), Willamette River (river), North Santiam R (river), Crabtree Creek (river), Santiam River (river).
What Jefferson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jefferson'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.
Jefferson'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 Jefferson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jefferson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 221 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ATI SPECIALTY ALLOYS & COMPONENTS LLC ALBANY, OR97321 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 211 | 5.1 mi |
BAKELITE CHEMICALS LLC ALBANY, OR97321 | Ammonia | 10 | 4.6 mi |
ARAUCO N.A. INC. - DURAFLAKE PARTICLEBOARD ALBANY, OR97321 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
CLAYTON ALBANY ALBANY, OR97321 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
PACIFIC CAST TECHNOLOGIES INC ALBANY, OR97322 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Jefferson
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.
- TELEDYNE WAH CHANG4.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMarion 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
Marion 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jefferson compares by contaminant
Explore where Jefferson ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jefferson's water comes from
Jefferson'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 3,413 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Jefferson
Jefferson is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jefferson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFERSON, CITY OF | OR4100408 | 3,348 | SW |
| JEFFERSON MOBILE ACRES | OR4100409 | 65 | GW |
How Jefferson compares
Full Oregon rankings →Jefferson's score of 66.5/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Jefferson, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jefferson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Jefferson, OR tap water safe to drink?
Jefferson's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #91 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Jefferson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 161 violations are on record.
How is Jefferson'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 Jefferson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jefferson's water come from?
Jefferson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,413 residents.
What health violations has Jefferson's water system had?
Jefferson has 4 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jefferson's water compare to other cities?
Jefferson ranks #91 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 57% of state cities) and #11363 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.