Is Rockaway Beach, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Rockaway Beach, OR — Water Quality Report
Rockaway Beach's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 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 93 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rockaway Beach's water
Rockaway Beach ranks #29 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above 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, Rockaway Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rockaway Beach, OR water safe to drink?
Rockaway Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rockaway Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rockaway Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Rockaway Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rockaway Beach's water system has 93 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Nehalem River, Wilson River.
Where does Rockaway Beach's water come from?
Rockaway Beach's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nehalem River (stream), Wilson River (river).
What Rockaway Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rockaway Beach'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.
Rockaway Beach'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
Flood & disaster history
Tillamook County has experienced 8 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 Rockaway Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Rockaway Beach ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rockaway Beach's water comes from
Rockaway Beach'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rockaway Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKAWAY BEACH, CITY OF | OR4100708 | 1,400 | SW |
How Rockaway Beach compares
Full Oregon rankings →Rockaway Beach's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Rockaway Beach, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rockaway Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tillamook
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockaway Beach, OR tap water safe to drink?
Rockaway Beach's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Rockaway Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 93 violations are on record.
How is Rockaway Beach'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 Rockaway Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rockaway Beach's water come from?
Rockaway Beach's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Rockaway Beach's water system had?
Rockaway Beach has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rockaway Beach's water compare to other cities?
Rockaway Beach ranks #29 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 86% of state cities) and #4403 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rockaway Beach's small water system affect quality?
Rockaway Beach's system serves approximately 1,400 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 93 violations on record.