Is Vale, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.2/100
waterverge.com Vale, OR — Water Quality Report
Vale's drinking water received a grade of C (61.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,837 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 121 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vale's water
Vale ranks #103 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Vale relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Vale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vale, OR water safe to drink?
Vale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,837 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Vale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vale's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: COLIPHAGE, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vale's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Vale's water system has 121 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Malheur County has experienced 2 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 Malheur River Below Nevada Dam.
Where does Vale's water come from?
Vale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,837 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Malheur River Below Nevada Dam (river).
What Vale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vale'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMalheur County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Malheur County has experienced 2 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 Vale'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. | 7.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vale compares by contaminant
Explore where Vale ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vale's water comes from
Vale's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,837 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Vale
Vale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Vale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALE, CITY OF | OR4100917 | 1,837 | GW |
How Vale compares
Full Oregon rankings →Vale's score of 61.2/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Vale, OR
Wikipedia →Vale is a city in and the county seat of Malheur County, Oregon, United States, approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of the Idaho border. It is at the intersection of U.S. Routes 20 and 26, on the Malheur River at its confluence with Bully Creek.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Malheur
Frequently asked questions
Is Vale, OR tap water safe to drink?
Vale's water quality earned a grade of C (61.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #103 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Vale's water?
Lead was measured at 7.4 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is Vale'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 Vale?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vale's water come from?
Vale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,837 residents.
What health violations has Vale's water system had?
Vale has 45 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Vale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Vale uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 121 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Vale's water compare to other cities?
Vale ranks #103 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 52% of state cities) and #12005 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.
Does Vale's small water system affect quality?
Vale's system serves approximately 1,837 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 121 violations on record.