Is Shady Cove, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 80 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Shady Cove, OR — Water Quality Report
Shady Cove's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 519 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 338 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 80 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shady Cove's water
Shady Cove ranks #154 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, Shady Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 102 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shady Cove, OR water safe to drink?
Shady Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 519 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Shady Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shady Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM.
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 Shady Cove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shady Cove's water system has 338 total violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 80 remain unresolved. 102 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 Lost Creek Lake, Rogue R, Big Butte Creek, Rogue River, Elk Creek.
Where does Shady Cove's water come from?
Shady Cove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 519 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lost Creek Lake (lake), Rogue R (river), Big Butte Creek (river), Rogue River (river), Elk Creek (river).
What Shady Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shady Cove'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.
Shady Cove'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 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.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shady Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where Shady Cove ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shady Cove's water comes from
Shady Cove'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 519 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Shady Cove
Shady Cove is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Shady Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHADY COVE MHP | OR4101131 | 140 | SWP |
| ANGLERS COVE/SCHWC | OR4101483 | 85 | SW |
| MILL MAR ESTATES IRRIGATION ASSOC | OR4101472 | 75 | GW |
| EVERGREEN MEADOWS WTR IMPROV DIST | OR4105946 | 70 | GW |
| SHADY TRAILS RV PARK | OR4191535 | 60 | GW |
| ROGUE RIVIERA ESTATES | OR4106113 | 33 | GW |
| MANZANITA HILLS SUBDIVISION | OR4106155 | 30 | GW |
| SUNBURST ACRES SUBDIVISION | OR4101438 | 26 | GW |
How Shady Cove compares
Full Oregon rankings →Shady Cove's score of 46/100 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 Shady Cove, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shady Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Shady Cove, OR tap water safe to drink?
Shady Cove's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #154 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Shady Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 338 violations are on record.
How is Shady Cove'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 Shady Cove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shady Cove's water come from?
Shady Cove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 519 residents.
What health violations has Shady Cove's water system had?
Shady Cove has 56 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. 80 violations remain unresolved.
How does Shady Cove's water compare to other cities?
Shady Cove ranks #154 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 28% of state cities) and #14092 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.