Is Oakridge, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.3/100
waterverge.com Oakridge, OR — Water Quality Report
Oakridge's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,359 residents using groundwater.
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 53 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakridge's water
Oakridge ranks #84 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oakridge 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.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakridge, OR water safe to drink?
Oakridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,359 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oakridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakridge's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Oakridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oakridge's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 12 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 Middle Fork Willamette River Nr Oakridge, Hills Cr Ab Hills Cr Res, Nr Oakridge, Hills Creek Lake, Hills Creek Dam Tailwater, Mf Willamette River.
Where does Oakridge's water come from?
Oakridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,359 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Willamette River Nr Oakridge (river), Hills Cr Ab Hills Cr Res, Nr Oakridge (river), Hills Creek Lake (lake), Hills Creek Dam Tailwater (river), Mf Willamette River (river).
What Oakridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakridge'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.
Oakridge'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakridge ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakridge's water comes from
Oakridge'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 3,359 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Oakridge
Oakridge is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oakridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAKRIDGE, CITY OF | OR4100582 | 3,310 | GW |
| HIGH PRAIRIE VILLA WTR SYSTEM | OR4100583 | 49 | GW |
How Oakridge compares
Full Oregon rankings →Oakridge's score of 69.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Oakridge, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lane
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakridge, OR tap water safe to drink?
Oakridge's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #84 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Oakridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Oakridge'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 Oakridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakridge's water come from?
Oakridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,359 residents.
What health violations has Oakridge's water system had?
Oakridge has 5 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oakridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oakridge 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 53 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 Oakridge's water compare to other cities?
Oakridge ranks #84 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 61% of state cities) and #10941 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.