Is Siletz, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.1/100
waterverge.com Siletz, OR — Water Quality Report
Siletz's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,850 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 52 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Siletz's water
Siletz ranks #48 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, Siletz may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Siletz, OR water safe to drink?
Siletz's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,850 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Siletz
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Siletz's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Siletz'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
Siletz's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 6 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 Siletz River, Big Elk Creek.
Where does Siletz's water come from?
Siletz's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,850 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Siletz River (river), Big Elk Creek (river).
What Siletz residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Siletz'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.
Siletz'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 Siletz
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Siletz, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 129,986 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC TOLEDO LLC TOLEDO, OR97391 | Hydrogen sulfide | 129,986 | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lincoln County has experienced 6 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 Siletz'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. | 1.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.446 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Siletz compares by contaminant
Explore where Siletz ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Siletz's water comes from
Siletz'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 1,850 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Siletz
Siletz 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 Siletz
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILETZ, CITY OF | OR4100821 | 1,235 | SW |
| SILETZ | 104101136 | 475 | SWP |
| OAK FLATS | 104121121 | 140 | SWP |
How Siletz compares
Full Oregon rankings →Siletz's score of 81.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Siletz, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Siletz's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Siletz, OR tap water safe to drink?
Siletz's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Siletz's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Siletz'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 Siletz?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Siletz's water come from?
Siletz's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,850 residents.
What health violations has Siletz's water system had?
Siletz has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Siletz's water compare to other cities?
Siletz ranks #48 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 77% of state cities) and #7593 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.