Is Port Orford, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Port Orford, OR — Water Quality Report
Port Orford's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,264 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 374 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Orford's water
Port Orford ranks #162 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Port Orford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 202 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Orford, OR water safe to drink?
Port Orford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,264 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Port Orford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Orford's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Port Orford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Port Orford's water system has 374 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 202 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Curry County has experienced 5 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 Sixes River.
Where does Port Orford's water come from?
Port Orford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,264 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sixes River (river).
What Port Orford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Orford'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.
Port Orford'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 droughtCurry 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
Curry County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Port Orford's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.86 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Orford compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Orford ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Orford's water comes from
Port Orford'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 1,264 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Port Orford
Port Orford 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 Port Orford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT ORFORD, CITY OF | OR4100670 | 1,200 | SW |
| ELK RIVER CAMPGROUND | OR4194398 | 64 | GW |
How Port Orford compares
Full Oregon rankings →Port Orford's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Port Orford, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Orford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Curry
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Orford, OR tap water safe to drink?
Port Orford's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #162 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Port Orford's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 374 violations are on record.
How is Port Orford'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 Port Orford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Orford's water come from?
Port Orford's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,264 residents.
What health violations has Port Orford's water system had?
Port Orford has 24 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Port Orford's water compare to other cities?
Port Orford ranks #162 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 24% of state cities) and #14289 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.