Is Oceanside, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.1/100
waterverge.com Oceanside, OR — Water Quality Report
Oceanside's drinking water received a grade of C (63.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 670 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 187 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oceanside's water
Oceanside ranks #98 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, Oceanside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oceanside, OR water safe to drink?
Oceanside's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 670 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oceanside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oceanside's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Oceanside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oceanside's water system has 187 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 10 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 Trask River.
Where does Oceanside's water come from?
Oceanside's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 670 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trask River (river).
What Oceanside residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oceanside'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.
Oceanside'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 Oceanside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oceanside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STIMSON LUMBER CO - TILLAMOOK TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | Lead compounds | 0 | 8.0 mi |
TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOC TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
CHS NUTRITION TILLAMOOK TILLAMOOK, OR97141 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Oceanside compares by contaminant
Explore where Oceanside ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oceanside's water comes from
Oceanside'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 670 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Oceanside
Oceanside 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 Oceanside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCEANSIDE WATER DISTRICT | OR4100585 | 500 | SW |
| OCEANSIDE WD - CAPE MEARES | OR4100882 | 170 | SW |
How Oceanside compares
Full Oregon rankings →Oceanside's score of 63.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Oceanside, OR
Wikipedia →Oceanside is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated community in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Oceanside had a population of 366. Oregon Route 131's northern terminus is in the community, which is just north of Netarts. Symons State Park is in Oceanside, while Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge lies just offshore.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oceanside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Oceanside, OR tap water safe to drink?
Oceanside's water quality earned a grade of C (63.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #98 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Oceanside's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 187 violations are on record.
How is Oceanside'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 Oceanside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oceanside's water come from?
Oceanside's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 670 residents.
What health violations has Oceanside's water system had?
Oceanside has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oceanside's water compare to other cities?
Oceanside ranks #98 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 54% of state cities) and #11804 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.