C49/100
Clackamas Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 49,846 residents · Oregon
What's In Clackamas's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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 – August 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – July 5, 2023Enforcement: 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, 2023 – October 10, 2023Rule: 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
CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER
Population Served
29,918
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OR4100187
CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER - CLAIRMONT
Population Served
19,928
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
OR4100594
Frequently Asked Questions About Clackamas Water
Is Clackamas tap water safe to drink?
Clackamas, Oregon tap water receives a grade of C (49/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 83 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Clackamas's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Clackamas's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Clackamas have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clackamas has 83 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clackamas?
Clackamas water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Clackamas's tap water come from?
Clackamas's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 49,846 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Clackamas'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. Clackamas'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 Clackamas's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Clackamas's water quality score of 49/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Oregon state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Clackamas's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clackamas'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 (CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER) 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.