Is Lowell, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.4/100
waterverge.com Lowell, OR — Water Quality Report
Lowell's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 17.8 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 72 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lowell's water
Lowell ranks #78 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Lowell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lowell, OR water safe to drink?
Lowell's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (71.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lowell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lowell's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Lowell's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Lowell's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 8 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 Lookout Point Lake, Lookout Point Dam Tailwater, Mf Willamette R, Dexter Lake, Dexter Dam Tailwater.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lookout Point Lake (lake), Lookout Point Dam Tailwater (river), Mf Willamette R (river), Dexter Lake (lake), Dexter Dam Tailwater (river).
What Lowell residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lowell'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.
Lowell'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 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 Lowell'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. | 17.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lowell compares by contaminant
Explore where Lowell ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lowell's water comes from
Lowell'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 1,264 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lowell
Lowell 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 Lowell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOWELL, CITY OF | OR4100492 | 1,264 | SW |
How Lowell compares
Full Oregon rankings →Lowell's score of 71.4/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Lowell, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lowell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lane
Frequently asked questions
Is Lowell, OR tap water safe to drink?
Lowell's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #78 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Lowell's water?
Lead was measured at 17.8 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Lowell'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 Lowell?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 residents.
How does Lowell's water compare to other cities?
Lowell ranks #78 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 63% of state cities) and #10554 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lowell's small water system affect quality?
Lowell's system serves approximately 1,264 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 72 violations on record.