Is Neskowin, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.5/100
waterverge.com Neskowin, OR — Water Quality Report
Neskowin's drinking water received a grade of B (76.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using surface water.
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 84 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Neskowin's water
Neskowin ranks #66 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.
As a small community water system, Neskowin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Neskowin, OR water safe to drink?
Neskowin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Neskowin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neskowin's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Neskowin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Neskowin's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 7 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.
Where does Neskowin's water come from?
Neskowin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Neskowin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neskowin'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.
Neskowin'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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Neskowin compares by contaminant
Explore where Neskowin ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Neskowin's water comes from
Neskowin'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 1,735 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Neskowin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NESKOWIN REG WATER DIST | OR4100970 | 1,735 | SW |
How Neskowin compares
Full Oregon rankings →Neskowin's score of 76.5/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Neskowin, OR
Wikipedia →Neskowin is an unincorporated community in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States, along the Pacific Ocean between Cascade Head and Nestucca Bay. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Neskowin as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. As of the 2020 census, Neskowin had a population of 205.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Neskowin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Neskowin, OR tap water safe to drink?
Neskowin's water quality earned a grade of B (76.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #66 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Neskowin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is Neskowin'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 Neskowin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Neskowin's water come from?
Neskowin's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 residents.
What health violations has Neskowin's water system had?
Neskowin has 3 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Neskowin's water compare to other cities?
Neskowin ranks #66 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 69% of state cities) and #9284 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Neskowin's small water system affect quality?
Neskowin's system serves approximately 1,735 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 84 violations on record.