Is Mulino, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
29/100
waterverge.com Mulino, OR — Water Quality Report
Mulino's drinking water received a grade of F (29 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 790 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 28.2 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 217 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mulino's water
Mulino ranks #212 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mulino 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.
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, Mulino may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mulino, OR water safe to drink?
Mulino's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (29/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 790 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mulino
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mulino's water quality assessment. Grade: F (29/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Mulino's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mulino's water system has 217 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clackamas County has experienced 5 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 Molalla River, Tualatin River, Willamette River Above Falls,, Willamette River Below Falls,.
Where does Mulino's water come from?
Mulino's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 790 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Molalla River (river), Tualatin River (river), Willamette River Above Falls, (river), Willamette River Below Falls, (stream).
What Mulino residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mulino'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.
Mulino'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 Mulino
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mulino, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASC SUNSTONE CIRCUITS MULINO, OR97042 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 2 | 1.5 mi |
ORCHID ORTHOPEDIC SOLUTIONS OREGON INC OREGON CITY, OR97045 | Chromium | 2 | 7.5 mi |
WILLAMETTE FALLS PAPER CO WEST LINN, OR97068 | Lead compounds | 0 | 9.8 mi |
INTERFOR US - MOLALLA MOLALLA, OR97038 | Lead | 0 | 4.4 mi |
CLARIOS LLC CANBY, OR97013 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtClackamas County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Clackamas County has experienced 5 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 Mulino'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. | 28.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mulino compares by contaminant
Explore where Mulino ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mulino's water comes from
Mulino'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 790 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Mulino
Mulino is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mulino
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULINO WATER DISTRICT | OR4100547 | 700 | GW |
| BIG FOOT MHP | OR4101461 | 60 | GW |
| MT SHADOW MHP | OR4105290 | 30 | GW |
How Mulino compares
Full Oregon rankings →Mulino's score of 29/100 is below the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Mulino, OR
Wikipedia →Mulino, Oregon is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States, on Oregon Route 213 between the cities of Oregon City and Molalla. As of the 2020 census, Mulino had a population of 2,250.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mulino's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clackamas
Frequently asked questions
Is Mulino, OR tap water safe to drink?
Mulino's water quality earned a grade of F (29/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #212 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Mulino's water?
Lead was measured at 28.2 ppb (90th percentile). 217 violations are on record.
How is Mulino'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 Mulino?
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 Mulino's water come from?
Mulino's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 790 residents.
What health violations has Mulino's water system had?
Mulino has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 46 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mulino's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mulino 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 217 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 Mulino's water compare to other cities?
Mulino ranks #212 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 0% of state cities) and #15715 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.