Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Oregon Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

91.4 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 6% vs national

vs National

205

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Oregon: what the data shows

Oregon has 52 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 91.4 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Oregon

0 of 52 cities

← ▼ 6% below national rate (better)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Oregon

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Oregon

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Oregon cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Hermiston	400.0 µg/L	No	67	F
2	Ontario	340.0 µg/L	No	5	B-
3	Pendleton	247.0 µg/L	No	43	F
4	Happy Valley	184.0 µg/L	No	17	F
5	Keizer	176.0 µg/L	No	7	C
6	Pilot Rock	173.0 µg/L	No	8	A-
7	Klamath Falls	162.0 µg/L	No	36	F
8	The Dalles	160.0 µg/L	No	54	F
9	Springfield	150.0 µg/L	No	19	F
10	Redmond	140.0 µg/L	No	35	D
11	Boardman	140.0 µg/L	No	0	C+
12	Woodburn	134.0 µg/L	No	50	F
13	Milwaukie	130.0 µg/L	No	1	F
14	Troutdale	120.0 µg/L	No	2	A-
15	Ashland	110.0 µg/L	No	15	D
16	La Grande	98.7 µg/L	No	7	B-
17	Grants Pass	89.0 µg/L	No	78	F
18	Scappoose	88.2 µg/L	No	84	F
19	Hillsboro	87.7 µg/L	No	7	F
20	Baker City	87.1 µg/L	No	4	C+
21	St Helens	78.5 µg/L	No	33	F
22	Central Point	78.0 µg/L	No	68	D
23	Portland	74.0 µg/L	No	118	F
24	Tigard	74.0 µg/L	No	3	C
25	Medford	73.0 µg/L	No	44	F
26	Canby	72.0 µg/L	No	21	D
27	Newberg	61.5 µg/L	No	270	F
28	Beaverton	58.0 µg/L	No	10	F
29	Oregon City	54.0 µg/L	No	14	D
30	Roseburg	51.0 µg/L	No	35	F
31	Gladstone	51.0 µg/L	No	8	C
32	Gresham	49.0 µg/L	No	0	B
33	Clackamas	49.0 µg/L	No	21	D
34	West Linn	47.0 µg/L	No	15	F
35	Dallas	47.0 µg/L	No	4	B-
36	Sherwood	45.8 µg/L	No	7	B-
37	Lake Oswego	45.5 µg/L	No	20	D
38	Cornelius	44.0 µg/L	No	5	F
39	Bend	42.0 µg/L	No	116	F
40	Wilsonville	41.0 µg/L	No	10	C+
41	Corvallis	40.0 µg/L	No	38	F
42	Coos Bay	40.0 µg/L	No	14	D+
43	Mcminnville	39.5 µg/L	No	1	B+
44	Lincoln City	39.0 µg/L	No	1	B+
45	Forest Grove	38.0 µg/L	No	2	B+
46	Rhododendron	38.0 µg/L	No	4	B
47	Albany	33.0 µg/L	No	35	F
48	Madras	29.0 µg/L	No	16	B+
49	Salem	28.0 µg/L	No	108	F
50	Eugene	28.0 µg/L	No	178	F
51	Lebanon	25.0 µg/L	No	16	F
52	Tualatin	24.0 µg/L	No	0	A

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Oregon

Is strontium in Oregon tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. No cities in Oregon exceed the HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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