Is Rainier, 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 Rainier, OR — Water Quality Report
Rainier's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,597 residents using surface water.
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 1167 violations on record, including 121 health-based violations. 90 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rainier's water
Rainier ranks #159 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average 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, Rainier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 119 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rainier, OR water safe to drink?
Rainier'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 6 water systems serve approximately 2,597 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rainier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rainier's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). 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 Rainier'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
Rainier's water system has 1,167 total violations on record, including 121 health-based violations. 90 remain unresolved. 119 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia 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 Cowlitz River.
Where does Rainier's water come from?
Rainier's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,597 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cowlitz River (river).
What Rainier residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rainier'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.
Rainier'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 Rainier
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rainier, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 186,137 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NIPPON DYNAWAVE PACKAGING CO. LONGVIEW, WA98632 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 116,866 | 4.2 mi |
WESTROCK LONGVIEW LLC LONGVIEW, WA98632 | Manganese compounds | 69,122 | 2.7 mi |
SOLVAY CHEMICALS INC LONGVIEW, WA98632 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 77 | 4.7 mi |
LANXESS CORP KALAMA SITE KALAMA, WA98625 | Toluene | 71 | 5.4 mi |
INTERFOR LONGVIEW DIV LONGVIEW, WA98632 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 3.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Columbia 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 Rainier'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.720 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Rainier compares by contaminant
Explore where Rainier ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rainier's water comes from
Rainier'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 2,597 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Rainier
Rainier 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 Rainier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF RAINIER | OR4100689 | 1,932 | SW |
| WESTERN HILLS MH ESTATES | OR4101172 | 375 | GW |
| DEER VIEW COOPERATIVE | OR4101046 | 90 | GW |
| GOBLE WATER ASSOCIATION | OR4100690 | 85 | GW |
| PRESCOTT, CITY OF | OR4100692 | 70 | GW |
| J & M MOBILE HOME PARK | OR4100688 | 45 | GW |
How Rainier compares
Full Oregon rankings →Rainier'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 Rainier, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rainier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Rainier, OR tap water safe to drink?
Rainier's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #159 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Rainier's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1167 violations are on record.
How is Rainier'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 Rainier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rainier's water come from?
Rainier's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,597 residents.
What health violations has Rainier's water system had?
Rainier has 121 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 90 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rainier's water compare to other cities?
Rainier ranks #159 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 25% of state cities) and #14272 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.