Is Rogue River, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.2/100
waterverge.com Rogue River, OR — Water Quality Report
Rogue River's drinking water received a grade of C (62.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,531 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 188 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rogue River's water
Rogue River ranks #101 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.
As a small community water system, Rogue River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rogue River, OR water safe to drink?
Rogue River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,531 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rogue River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rogue River's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-413). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rogue River'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
Rogue River's water system has 188 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson 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 Rogue River.
Where does Rogue River's water come from?
Rogue River's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,531 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rogue River (river).
What Rogue River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rogue River'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.
Rogue River'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 Rogue River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rogue River, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MASTERBRAND CABINETS LLC-GRANTS PASS OPERATIONS GRANTS PASS, OR97526 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
TIMBER PRODUCTS CO (DBA TIM PLY) GRANTS PASS, OR97526 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJackson 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
Jackson 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 Rogue River'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. | 2.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.050 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Rogue River compares by contaminant
Explore where Rogue River ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rogue River's water comes from
Rogue River'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 2,531 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Rogue River
Rogue River 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 Rogue River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROGUE RIVER, CITY OF | OR4100712 | 2,345 | SW |
| RIVIERA MOBILE PARK | OR4101104 | 150 | GW |
| COVERED BRIDGE MHP | OR4190661 | 36 | GW |
How Rogue River compares
Full Oregon rankings →Rogue River's score of 62.2/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Rogue River, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rogue River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Rogue River, OR tap water safe to drink?
Rogue River's water quality earned a grade of C (62.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #101 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Rogue River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 188 violations are on record.
How is Rogue River'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 Rogue River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rogue River's water come from?
Rogue River's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,531 residents.
What health violations has Rogue River's water system had?
Rogue River has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rogue River's water compare to other cities?
Rogue River ranks #101 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 53% of state cities) and #11903 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.