Is Oregon, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Oregon, MO — Water Quality Report
Oregon's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,922 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 17 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Oregon's water
Oregon ranks #132 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oregon purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Oregon 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 Oregon, MO water safe to drink?
Oregon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,922 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oregon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oregon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oregon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oregon's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Holt County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Oregon's water come from?
Oregon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,922 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oregon residents can do
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.
Oregon'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 Oregon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oregon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 125 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FOREST CITY FACILITY LLC FOREST CITY, MO64451 | Antimony compounds | 125 | 3.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Holt County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oregon compares by contaminant
Explore where Oregon ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oregon's water comes from
Oregon purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Oregon's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,922 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Oregon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLT COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO1021304 | 1,085 | GWP |
| OREGON PWS | MO1010605 | 837 | GW |
How Oregon compares
Full Missouri rankings →Oregon's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Oregon, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oregon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Holt
Frequently asked questions
Is Oregon, MO tap water safe to drink?
Oregon's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #132 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Oregon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Oregon'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 Oregon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oregon's water come from?
Oregon's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,922 residents.
What health violations has Oregon's water system had?
Oregon has 6 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Oregon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oregon 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 17 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 Oregon's water compare to other cities?
Oregon ranks #132 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 74% of state cities) and #3528 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.