TapSafetyReport
F18/100

Bay City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,400 residents · Oregon

What's In Bay City's Tap Water?

2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.42 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – June 4, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – July 25, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – November 8, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

BAY CITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

1,400

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

OR4100079

Frequently Asked Questions About Bay City Water

Is Bay City tap water safe to drink?

Bay City, Oregon tap water receives a grade of F (18/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 59 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Bay City's water?

Of the 2 contaminants tested in Bay City's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Bay City have any water quality violations?

Yes, Bay City has 59 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Bay City?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Bay City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Bay City's tap water come from?

Bay City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BAY CITY WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Bay City's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bay City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Bay City's water compare to other cities in Oregon?

Bay City's water quality score of 18/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Oregon state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Bay City's water quality?

If you have concerns about Bay City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BAY CITY WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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