Vanadium Contamination

Vanadium in Oregon Drinking Water

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

Cities Tested

Over HA

12%

% Over HA

8.13 µg/L

State Avg

▲ 7% vs national

vs National

205

Health Violations

Analysis

Vanadium in Oregon: what the data shows

Oregon has 49 cities with vanadium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Vanadium was detected above the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory in 6 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 8.13 µg/L. Vanadium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in the western United States where it leaches from volcanic rock and oil shale formations. Industrial sources include steel manufacturing, oil refining, and fossil fuel combustion. There is no federal MCL for vanadium — the EPA established a short-term health advisory of 21 µg/L for a 10 kg child consuming 1 L/day for 10 days. Long-term exposure to elevated vanadium has been associated with kidney effects in animal studies and possible developmental impacts. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing vanadium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 21 µg/L EPA short-term HA (no MCL)

Oregon

12%

6 of 49 cities

→ ▲ 7% above national rate (worse)

National avg

179 of 3322 cities

City Map

Vanadium data across Oregon

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 vanadium testing data. Cities where vanadium exceeds the 21 µg/L EPA short-term health advisory are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by vanadium level in Oregon

Highest Vanadium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Oregon cities ranked by vanadium level

#	City	Level	Over HA?	Violations	Grade
1	Pilot Rock	41.90 µg/L	Over HA	8	A-
2	Pendleton	32.40 µg/L	Over HA	43	F
3	Klamath Falls	26.10 µg/L	Over HA	36	F
4	Bend	26.00 µg/L	Over HA	116	F
5	Redmond	24.00 µg/L	Over HA	35	D
6	Happy Valley	21.20 µg/L	Over HA	17	F
7	Hermiston	20.00 µg/L	No	67	F
8	Tigard	19.00 µg/L	No	3	C
9	Madras	18.00 µg/L	No	16	B+
10	Portland	16.00 µg/L	No	118	F
11	Beaverton	15.00 µg/L	No	10	F
12	Central Point	13.90 µg/L	No	68	D
13	Medford	13.00 µg/L	No	44	F
14	Milwaukie	12.00 µg/L	No	1	F
15	La Grande	11.90 µg/L	No	7	B-
16	St Helens	11.50 µg/L	No	33	F
17	Eugene	5.80 µg/L	No	178	F
18	Ontario	5.00 µg/L	No	5	B-
19	Springfield	4.80 µg/L	No	19	F
20	Keizer	4.30 µg/L	No	7	C
21	Dallas	4.10 µg/L	No	4	B-
22	Boardman	4.08 µg/L	No	0	C+
23	Forest Grove	3.60 µg/L	No	2	B+
24	Baker City	3.50 µg/L	No	4	C+
25	Roseburg	3.40 µg/L	No	35	F
26	Corvallis	3.30 µg/L	No	38	F
27	Grants Pass	3.10 µg/L	No	78	F
28	Sherwood	3.00 µg/L	No	7	B-
29	Lincoln City	2.80 µg/L	No	1	B+
30	Scappoose	2.73 µg/L	No	84	F
31	Wilsonville	2.50 µg/L	No	10	C+
32	West Linn	2.10 µg/L	No	15	F
33	Clackamas	2.00 µg/L	No	21	D
34	Oregon City	1.90 µg/L	No	14	D
35	Salem	1.80 µg/L	No	108	F
36	Gladstone	1.60 µg/L	No	8	C
37	Rhododendron	1.40 µg/L	No	4	B
38	Lake Oswego	1.36 µg/L	No	20	D
39	Mcminnville	1.16 µg/L	No	1	B+
40	Canby	1.00 µg/L	No	21	D
41	The Dalles	1.00 µg/L	No	54	F
42	Hillsboro	0.82 µg/L	No	7	F
43	Cornelius	0.79 µg/L	No	5	F
44	Ashland	0.73 µg/L	No	15	D
45	Albany	0.69 µg/L	No	35	F
46	Troutdale	0.65 µg/L	No	2	A-
47	Tualatin	0.60 µg/L	No	0	A
48	Gresham	0.39 µg/L	No	0	B
49	Lebanon	0.32 µg/L	No	16	F

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about vanadium in Oregon

Is vanadium in Oregon tap water harmful?

Vanadium has no federal MCL. The EPA short-term health advisory is 21 µg/L. 6 cities in Oregon exceed this level. Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney effects in animal studies. Vanadium is most common in groundwater in the western US.

How can I remove vanadium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing vanadium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems also work. Standard activated carbon filters are not effective against vanadium. If your water comes from a private well in the western US, consider testing for vanadium.

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