Is Yoncalla, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61/100
waterverge.com Yoncalla, OR — Water Quality Report
Yoncalla's drinking water received a grade of C (61 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,050 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 253 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yoncalla's water
Yoncalla ranks #104 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, Yoncalla may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yoncalla, OR water safe to drink?
Yoncalla's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,050 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Yoncalla
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yoncalla's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4452). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yoncalla's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Yoncalla's water system has 253 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 8 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 Yoncalla's water come from?
Yoncalla's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,050 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Yoncalla residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yoncalla'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.
Yoncalla'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 droughtDouglas 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
Douglas County has experienced 8 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yoncalla compares by contaminant
Explore where Yoncalla ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yoncalla's water comes from
Yoncalla'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 1,050 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Yoncalla
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YONCALLA, CITY OF | OR4100958 | 1,050 | SW |
How Yoncalla compares
Full Oregon rankings →Yoncalla's score of 61/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Yoncalla, OR
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yoncalla's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Yoncalla, OR tap water safe to drink?
Yoncalla's water quality earned a grade of C (61/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #104 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Yoncalla's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 253 violations are on record.
How is Yoncalla'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 Yoncalla?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yoncalla's water come from?
Yoncalla's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,050 residents.
What health violations has Yoncalla's water system had?
Yoncalla has 44 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Yoncalla's water compare to other cities?
Yoncalla ranks #104 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 51% of state cities) and #12027 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 Yoncalla's small water system affect quality?
Yoncalla's system serves approximately 1,050 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 253 violations on record.