A87/100
Eugene Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 176,000 residents · Oregon
What's In Eugene's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1979.
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
EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD
Population Served
176,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OR4100287
Frequently Asked Questions About Eugene Water
Is Eugene tap water safe to drink?
Eugene, Oregon tap water receives a grade of A (87/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Eugene's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Eugene'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 Eugene have any water quality violations?
Yes, Eugene has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1979. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Eugene?
Eugene 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 Eugene's tap water come from?
Eugene's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD. The system serves approximately 176,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Eugene'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. Eugene'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 Eugene's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Eugene's water quality score of 87/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Eugene among the better-performing water systems in Oregon. Visit our Oregon state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Eugene's water quality?
If you have concerns about Eugene'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 (EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD) 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.