Is Mapleton, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Mapleton, OR — Water Quality Report
Mapleton's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 239 violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mapleton's water
Mapleton ranks #144 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Mapleton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 72 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mapleton, OR water safe to drink?
Mapleton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mapleton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mapleton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Mapleton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mapleton's water system has 239 total violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 72 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 Lake Creek, Siuslaw River.
Where does Mapleton's water come from?
Mapleton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Creek (river), Siuslaw River (river).
What Mapleton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mapleton'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.
Mapleton'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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mapleton compares by contaminant
Explore where Mapleton ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mapleton's water comes from
Mapleton'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 600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mapleton
Mapleton is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mapleton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAPLETON WATER DISTRICT | OR4100507 | 600 | SW |
How Mapleton compares
Full Oregon rankings →Mapleton's score of 49/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Mapleton, OR
Wikipedia →Mapleton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Lane County, Oregon, United States. It is located on Oregon Route 126 and the Siuslaw River, 45 miles (72 km) west of Eugene and 15 miles (24 km) east of Florence. It is also the western terminus of Oregon Route 36. As of the 2020 census, Mapleton had a population of 493.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mapleton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lane
Frequently asked questions
Is Mapleton, OR tap water safe to drink?
Mapleton's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #144 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Mapleton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 239 violations are on record.
How is Mapleton'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 Mapleton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mapleton's water come from?
Mapleton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Mapleton's water system had?
Mapleton has 70 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mapleton's water compare to other cities?
Mapleton ranks #144 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 32% of state cities) and #13384 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mapleton's small water system affect quality?
Mapleton's system serves approximately 600 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 239 violations on record.