Is Prairie City, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.7/100
waterverge.com Prairie City, OR — Water Quality Report
Prairie City's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 841 residents using ground water under influence.
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 72 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Prairie City's water
Prairie City ranks #81 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Prairie City 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, Prairie City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Prairie City, OR water safe to drink?
Prairie City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 841 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Prairie City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Prairie City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). 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 Prairie City'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
Prairie City's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant County has experienced 3 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 John Day R.
Where does Prairie City's water come from?
Prairie City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 841 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include John Day R (river).
What Prairie City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Prairie City'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.
Prairie City'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 droughtGrant 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
Grant County has experienced 3 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 Prairie City'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. | 1.52 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Prairie City compares by contaminant
Explore where Prairie City ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Prairie City's water comes from
Prairie City'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 841 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Prairie City
Prairie City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Prairie City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE CITY | OR4100673 | 841 | GU |
How Prairie City compares
Full Oregon rankings →Prairie City's score of 70.7/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Prairie City, OR
Wikipedia →Prairie City is a city in Grant County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Prairie City had a population of 841. The community was incorporated by the Oregon Legislative Assembly on February 23, 1891.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Prairie City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Prairie City, OR tap water safe to drink?
Prairie City's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #81 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Prairie City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Prairie City'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 Prairie City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Prairie City's water come from?
Prairie City's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 841 residents.
What health violations has Prairie City's water system had?
Prairie City has 6 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Prairie City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Prairie City 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 72 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 Prairie City's water compare to other cities?
Prairie City ranks #81 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 62% of state cities) and #10699 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Prairie City's small water system affect quality?
Prairie City's system serves approximately 841 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 72 violations on record.