WaterVerge

Is La Pine, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: OR4101496
Overall Score
81.1 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#47 of 213 in Oregon Top 48% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
81.1/100
waterverge.com
B+ 81.1/100

La Pine, OR — Water Quality Report

La Pine's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,707 residents using groundwater.

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 22 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about La Pine's water

La Pine ranks #47 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

La Pine 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 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
81.1 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.1/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is La Pine, OR water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

La Pine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,707 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for La Pine

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Pine's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.1/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1099). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Pine's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

La Pine's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2023 E. COLI Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Deschutes 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3228
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1099
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-184

Where does La Pine's water come from?

La Pine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,707 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What La Pine residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Pine's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

La Pine'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

22
Total violations
2
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

22 Total
8 Active
2 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
12
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2015
Apr 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2012
Jan 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2007
Sep 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2005
Aug 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2004
Oct 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2003
Sep 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2003
Aug 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2003
Jul 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2000
Apr 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1993
Apr 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 1992
Mar 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1991
Showing 20 of 22 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Deschutes 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
42.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Deschutes 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3228
Feb 1996
HIGH WINDS, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1099
Dec 1964
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #184

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.2 ppb from 1993 (1.2 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,707
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where La Pine's water comes from

Groundwater

La Pine'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 3,707 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving La Pine

System Name PWSID Population Source
LA PINE, CITY OF OR4101496 2,807 GW
PONDEROSA PINES WATER COMPANY OR4100106 900 GW
Regional Comparison

How La Pine compares

Full Oregon rankings →

La Pine's score of 81.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

La Pine (this city)
81.1
Portland
39.4
Beaverton
40.7
Salem
43.6
Eugene
28
Bend
41
Oregon avg
42
City Profile

About La Pine, OR

Wikipedia →

La Pine is a city in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States, incorporated on December 7, 2006.

Economic Profile
$50,625
Median Income
$306,166
Median Home Value
$1,109/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
47.9
Median Age
134
People / sq mi
9.8%
College Educated
57%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is La Pine, OR tap water safe to drink?

La Pine's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.

What contaminants are in La Pine's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.

How is La Pine'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 La Pine?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does La Pine's water come from?

La Pine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,707 residents.

What health violations has La Pine's water system had?

La Pine has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is La Pine's groundwater at risk of contamination?

La Pine 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 22 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 La Pine's water compare to other cities?

La Pine ranks #47 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 78% of state cities) and #7587 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.