Is Klamath Falls, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but PFOS, Manganese and 1 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41.8/100
waterverge.com Klamath Falls, OR — Water Quality Report
Klamath Falls's drinking water received a grade of F (41.8 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 15 water systems serve approximately 43,289 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 3 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.
The system has 1458 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 115 remain unresolved.
What to know about Klamath Falls's water
Klamath Falls ranks #195 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Klamath Falls 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.
Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.66 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
The system has seen 283 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Klamath Falls, OR water safe to drink?
Klamath Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 15 water systems serve approximately 43,289 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Klamath Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Klamath Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Klamath Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.
PFAS "forever chemicals" detected
UCMR 5 testing found 3 PFAS compounds in Klamath Falls's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.
Violation history
Klamath Falls's water system has 1,458 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 115 remain unresolved. 283 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Klamath County has experienced 2 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 Upper Klamath Lake, Upper Klamath Lake Nr K.Falls(Weight/Mean Elev), A Canal, Link River, Link River Below Keno Canal,.
Where does Klamath Falls's water come from?
Klamath Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 15 water systems serving approximately 43,289 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Upper Klamath Lake (lake), Upper Klamath Lake Nr K.Falls(Weight/Mean Elev) (lake), A Canal (stream), Link River (river), Link River Below Keno Canal, (river).
What Klamath Falls residents can do
Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Klamath Falls'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Klamath Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Klamath Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLUMBIA FOREST PRODUCTS KLAMATH FALLS, OR97603 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
JELD-WEN KLAMATH FALLS, OR97601 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
COLLINS PRODUCTS LLC KLAMATH FALLS, OR97601 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
MDU RESOURCES KLAMATH FALLS CONCRETE KLAMATH FALLS, OR97603 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Klamath Falls
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.
- NORTH RIDGE ESTATES3.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKlamath 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
Klamath County has experienced 2 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 Klamath Falls'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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | 0.004 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | 0.006 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.009 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Klamath Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Klamath Falls ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Klamath Falls's water comes from
Klamath Falls'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 43,289 people through 15 water systems.
Water bodies near Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Klamath Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLAMATH FALLS WATER DEPT | OR4100443 | 40,475 | GW |
| OREGON WATER UTILITIES - MOUNTAIN LAKES | OR4101475 | 770 | GW |
| FALCON HEIGHTS | OR4101075 | 559 | GW |
| ROUND LAKE WATER UTILITIES | OR4100438 | 250 | GW |
| SKYLINE VIEW DIST IMPROVEMENT | OR4100439 | 250 | GW |
| OREGON WATER UTILITIES - SOUTHVIEW | OR4101503 | 250 | GW |
| PINE GROVE WATER DIST (KLAMATH) | OR4100437 | 180 | GW |
| CROSSROADS MOBILE HOME PARK | OR4100446 | 150 | GW |
| RIDGEWATER WATER SYSTEM | OR4106203 | 80 | GW |
| OREGON WATER UTILITIES-PINECREST | OR4101128 | 78 | GW |
| SHIELD CREST WATER ASSN | OR4101500 | 65 | GW |
| COLLIER LANE HOA | OR4101522 | 60 | GW |
| SHIELD CREST CONDOS | OR4101484 | 45 | GW |
| COVE PARTNERSHIP | OR4194026 | 40 | GW |
| KLAMATH CO PROJECT HOMEFRONT | OR4190159 | 37 | GW |
How Klamath Falls compares
Full Oregon rankings →Klamath Falls's score of 41.8/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Klamath Falls, OR
Wikipedia →Klamath Falls is a city in and the county seat of Klamath County, Oregon, United States. The city was originally called Linkville when George Nurse founded the town in 1867. It was named after the Link River, on whose falls the city was sited. The name was changed to Klamath Falls in 1893. The population was 21,813 at the 2020 census. With its suburb Altamont, a census-designated place, the combined population of the towns is 42,046 residents. The city is on the southeastern shore of the Upper Klamath Lake, at the foothills of the Cascade Range, and is home to the Oregon Institute of Technology.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Klamath Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Klamath
Frequently asked questions
Is Klamath Falls, OR tap water safe to drink?
Klamath Falls's water quality earned a grade of F (41.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #195 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Klamath Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 3 PFAS compounds were detected. 1458 violations are on record.
How is Klamath Falls'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 Klamath Falls?
PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.
Where does Klamath Falls's water come from?
Klamath Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 15 water systems serving approximately 43,289 residents.
What health violations has Klamath Falls's water system had?
Klamath Falls has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 115 violations remain unresolved.
Is Klamath Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Klamath Falls 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 1458 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.
Why does Klamath Falls have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
3 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Klamath Falls's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.
How does Klamath Falls's water compare to other cities?
Klamath Falls ranks #195 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 8% of state cities) and #14945 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.