Is Willamina, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Willamina, OR — Water Quality Report
Willamina's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,239 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 82 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willamina's water
Willamina ranks #19 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Willamina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willamina, OR water safe to drink?
Willamina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,239 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Willamina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willamina's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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-1099). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Willamina's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Willamina's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Yamhill County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Willamina's water come from?
Willamina's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,239 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Willamina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willamina'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.
Willamina'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 Willamina
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Willamina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP SHERIDAN, OR97378 | Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds | 1 | 3.2 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION SHERIDAN SHERIDAN, OR97378 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Willamina
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- TAYLOR LUMBER AND TREATING3.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Yamhill County has experienced 4 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Willamina compares by contaminant
Explore where Willamina ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willamina's water comes from
Willamina'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 2,239 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Willamina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLAMINA, CITY OF | OR4100953 | 2,239 | SW |
How Willamina compares
Full Oregon rankings →Willamina's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Willamina, OR
Wikipedia →Willamina is a city in Polk and Yamhill Counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. The population was 2,239 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willamina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yamhill
Frequently asked questions
Is Willamina, OR tap water safe to drink?
Willamina's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Willamina's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Willamina'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 Willamina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Willamina's water come from?
Willamina's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,239 residents.
What health violations has Willamina's water system had?
Willamina has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Willamina's water compare to other cities?
Willamina ranks #19 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 91% of state cities) and #3355 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Willamina's small water system affect quality?
Willamina's system serves approximately 2,239 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 82 violations on record.