Is John Day, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com John Day, OR — Water Quality Report
John Day's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,617 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about John Day's water
John Day ranks #24 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
John Day 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, John Day may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is John Day, OR water safe to drink?
John Day's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,617 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for John Day
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into John Day's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). 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 John Day's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
John Day's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant 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 John Day River.
Where does John Day's water come from?
John Day's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,617 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include John Day River (river).
What John Day residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in John Day'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.
John Day'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGrant 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
Grant 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how John Day compares by contaminant
Explore where John Day ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where John Day's water comes from
John Day'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 1,617 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near John Day
John Day is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving John Day
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN DAY, CITY OF | OR4100410 | 1,617 | GW |
How John Day compares
Full Oregon rankings →John Day's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About John Day, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to John Day's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is John Day, OR tap water safe to drink?
John Day's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in John Day's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is John Day'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 John Day?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does John Day's water come from?
John Day's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,617 residents.
What health violations has John Day's water system had?
John Day has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is John Day's groundwater at risk of contamination?
John Day 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 13 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 John Day's water compare to other cities?
John Day ranks #24 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 89% of state cities) and #3827 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does John Day's small water system affect quality?
John Day's system serves approximately 1,617 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 13 violations on record.