Is Rhododendron, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.5/100
waterverge.com Rhododendron, OR — Water Quality Report
Rhododendron's drinking water received a grade of B (75.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 166 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rhododendron's water
Rhododendron ranks #68 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.76 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, Rhododendron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rhododendron, OR water safe to drink?
Rhododendron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rhododendron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rhododendron's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.5/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1099). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rhododendron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rhododendron's water system has 166 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clackamas 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 Bull Run Lake, Bull Run River, Blazed Alder Creek.
Where does Rhododendron's water come from?
Rhododendron's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bull Run Lake (lake), Bull Run River (river), Blazed Alder Creek (river).
What Rhododendron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rhododendron'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Rhododendron'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 droughtClackamas 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
Clackamas 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.
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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rhododendron compares by contaminant
Explore where Rhododendron ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rhododendron's water comes from
Rhododendron'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 private ownership and serves approximately 980 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rhododendron
Rhododendron is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rhododendron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHODODENDRON WTR ASSOC | OR4100702 | 980 | SW |
How Rhododendron compares
Full Oregon rankings →Rhododendron's score of 75.5/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Rhododendron, OR
Wikipedia →Rhododendron is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States. It is located within the Mount Hood Corridor, between Government Camp and Zigzag on U.S. Route 26. It is one of the communities that make up the Villages at Mount Hood. As of the 2020 census, Rhododendron had a population of 262.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rhododendron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clackamas
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhododendron, OR tap water safe to drink?
Rhododendron's water quality earned a grade of B (75.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #68 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Rhododendron's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 166 violations are on record.
How is Rhododendron'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 Rhododendron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rhododendron's water come from?
Rhododendron's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 980 residents.
What health violations has Rhododendron's water system had?
Rhododendron has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rhododendron's water compare to other cities?
Rhododendron ranks #68 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 68% of state cities) and #9571 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rhododendron's small water system affect quality?
Rhododendron's system serves approximately 980 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 166 violations on record.