Is Oakland, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.4/100
waterverge.com Oakland, OR — Water Quality Report
Oakland's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,159 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 198 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakland's water
Oakland ranks #117 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, Oakland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakland, OR water safe to drink?
Oakland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,159 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oakland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakland's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.4/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oakland's water system has 198 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas 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 Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,159 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Oakland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakland'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.
Oakland'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 Oakland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oakland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FCC COMMERCIAL FURNITURE INC. ROSEBURG, OR97470 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
ORENCO SYSTEMS INC - NORTH BANK FACILITY ROSEBURG, OR97470 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
ORENCO SYSTEMS INC - WINCHESTER FACILITY ROSEBURG, OR97470 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
ORENCO SYSTEMS INC - SUTHERLIN FACILITY SUTHERLIN, OR97479 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDouglas 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
Douglas 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakland compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakland ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakland's water comes from
Oakland'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 1,159 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Oakland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAKLAND, CITY OF | OR4100581 | 954 | SW |
| UNION GAP WATER DISTRICT | OR4101371 | 150 | SWP |
| RICE HILL WEST SUBDIVISION | OR4106041 | 55 | GWP |
How Oakland compares
Full Oregon rankings →Oakland's score of 54.4/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Oakland, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakland, OR tap water safe to drink?
Oakland's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #117 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Oakland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 198 violations are on record.
How is Oakland'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 Oakland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,159 residents.
What health violations has Oakland's water system had?
Oakland has 2 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oakland's water compare to other cities?
Oakland ranks #117 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 45% of state cities) and #12612 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.