Is Nehalem, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Nehalem, OR — Water Quality Report
Nehalem's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,318 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 179 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nehalem's water
Nehalem ranks #161 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Nehalem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nehalem, OR water safe to drink?
Nehalem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,318 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nehalem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nehalem's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Nehalem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Nehalem's water system has 179 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Nehalem River.
Where does Nehalem's water come from?
Nehalem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,318 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nehalem River (river).
What Nehalem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nehalem'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.
Nehalem'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
Flood & disaster history
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Nehalem'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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nehalem compares by contaminant
Explore where Nehalem ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nehalem's water comes from
Nehalem'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 2,318 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Nehalem
Nehalem is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Nehalem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEHALEM, CITY OF | OR4100554 | 1,700 | SW |
| NEAHKAHNIE WATER DISTRICT | OR4100506 | 600 | GW |
| TIDELAND WATER CO-OP | OR4106154 | 18 | GWP |
How Nehalem compares
Full Oregon rankings →Nehalem's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Nehalem, OR
Wikipedia →Nehalem is a city in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States. Incorporated in 1889, the city lies along the Nehalem River and Nehalem Bay near the Pacific Ocean. It is bisected by U.S. Route 101. The population was 355 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nehalem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Nehalem, OR tap water safe to drink?
Nehalem's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #161 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Nehalem's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 179 violations are on record.
How is Nehalem'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 Nehalem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nehalem's water come from?
Nehalem's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,318 residents.
What health violations has Nehalem's water system had?
Nehalem has 8 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nehalem's water compare to other cities?
Nehalem ranks #161 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 24% of state cities) and #14278 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.