Is Pilot Rock, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Vanadium was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Pilot Rock, OR — Water Quality Report
Pilot Rock's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,326 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 59 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pilot Rock's water
Pilot Rock ranks #32 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pilot Rock 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Pilot Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pilot Rock, OR water safe to drink?
Pilot Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,326 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pilot Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pilot Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Pilot Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pilot Rock's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 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.
Where does Pilot Rock's water come from?
Pilot Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,326 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pilot Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pilot Rock'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.
Pilot Rock'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
D1 — moderate droughtUmatilla County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
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 Pilot Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Pilot Rock ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pilot Rock's water comes from
Pilot Rock'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 1,326 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pilot Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PILOT ROCK, CITY OF | OR4100626 | 1,326 | GW |
How Pilot Rock compares
Full Oregon rankings →Pilot Rock's score of 86/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Pilot Rock, OR
Wikipedia →Pilot Rock is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,328 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Pendleton–Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area. The main industries are timber and agriculture. Pilot Rock is home to the Boise Cascade /Kinzua Lumber lumber and pole mill as well as Pilot Rock High School. The name of Pilot Rock refers to a large basalt rock formation which is visible from the old Oregon Trail and was used in navigating wagon trains through the area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pilot Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Umatilla
Frequently asked questions
Is Pilot Rock, OR tap water safe to drink?
Pilot Rock's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Pilot Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Pilot Rock'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 Pilot Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pilot Rock's water come from?
Pilot Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,326 residents.
What health violations has Pilot Rock's water system had?
Pilot Rock has 8 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pilot Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pilot Rock 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 59 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 Pilot Rock's water compare to other cities?
Pilot Rock ranks #32 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 85% of state cities) and #4997 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pilot Rock's small water system affect quality?
Pilot Rock's system serves approximately 1,326 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 59 violations on record.