Is Pendelton, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52/100
waterverge.com Pendelton, OR — Water Quality Report
Pendelton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 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 619 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pendelton's water
Pendelton ranks #120 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pendelton 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.
As a small community water system, Pendelton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 109 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pendelton, OR water safe to drink?
Pendelton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,310 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pendelton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pendelton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4519). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pendelton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pendelton's water system has 619 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 109 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Umatilla County has experienced 6 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 Umatilla R.
Where does Pendelton's water come from?
Pendelton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Umatilla R (river).
What Pendelton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pendelton'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.
Pendelton'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
Umatilla County has experienced 6 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 Pendelton compares by contaminant
Explore where Pendelton ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pendelton's water comes from
Pendelton'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,310 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pendelton
Pendelton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pendelton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTUIR PWD MISSION | 104111101 | 1,310 | GW |
How Pendelton compares
Full Oregon rankings →Pendelton's score of 52/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Pendelton, OR
Wikipedia →Pendleton is a city in and the county seat of Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. The population was 17,107 at the time of the 2020 census, which includes approximately 1,600 people who are incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pendelton's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pendelton, OR tap water safe to drink?
Pendelton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #120 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Pendelton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 619 violations are on record.
How is Pendelton'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 Pendelton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pendelton's water come from?
Pendelton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,310 residents.
What health violations has Pendelton's water system had?
Pendelton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pendelton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pendelton 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 619 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 Pendelton's water compare to other cities?
Pendelton ranks #120 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 44% of state cities) and #12825 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pendelton's small water system affect quality?
Pendelton's system serves approximately 1,310 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 619 violations on record.