Is Junction City, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Junction City, OR — Water Quality Report
Junction City's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 7,295 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 228 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 79 remain unresolved.
What to know about Junction City's water
Junction City ranks #200 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Junction 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.
The system has seen 110 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Junction City, OR water safe to drink?
Junction City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 7,295 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Junction City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Junction City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, COLIPHAGE, Nitrate.
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 Junction City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Junction City's water system has 228 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 79 remain unresolved. 110 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lane County has experienced 7 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 Willamette River, Fern Ridge Lake, Long Tom River.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 7,295 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Willamette River (river), Fern Ridge Lake (lake), Long Tom River (river).
What Junction City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Junction 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Junction 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 Junction City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Junction City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP EUGENE, OR97402 | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds | 0 | 7.3 mi |
MURPHY PLYWOOD CO EUGENE OPERATIONS EUGENE, OR97402 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
BAKELITE CHEMICALS LLC EUGENE, OR97402 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
PETERSON PACIFIC CORP EUGENE, OR97402 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
MDU RESOURCES EUGENE CONCRETE EUGENE, OR97404 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLane 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
Lane County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Junction City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Junction City compares by contaminant
Explore where Junction City ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Junction City's water comes from
Junction 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 7,295 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Junction City
Junction City is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Junction City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUNCTION CITY WATER UTILITIES | OR4100418 | 7,000 | GW |
| FERNRIDGE MOBILE ESTATES | OR4100421 | 250 | GW |
| SHADOW HILLS PARK WATER CO-OP | OR4100419 | 45 | GW |
How Junction City compares
Full Oregon rankings →Junction City's score of 41/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Junction City, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Junction City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lane
Frequently asked questions
Is Junction City, OR tap water safe to drink?
Junction City's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #200 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Junction City's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 228 violations are on record.
How is Junction 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 Junction City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 7,295 residents.
What health violations has Junction City's water system had?
Junction City has 14 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. 79 violations remain unresolved.
Is Junction City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Junction 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 228 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 Junction City's water compare to other cities?
Junction City ranks #200 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 6% of state cities) and #15057 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.