C55/100
Grants Pass Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 37,138 residents · Oregon
What's In Grants Pass'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 390.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – July 22, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – August 6, 2024Enforcement: 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
GRANTS PASS, CITY OF
Population Served
37,138
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OR4100342
Frequently Asked Questions About Grants Pass Water
Is Grants Pass tap water safe to drink?
Grants Pass, Oregon tap water receives a grade of C (55/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 42 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Grants Pass's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Grants Pass's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Grants Pass have any water quality violations?
Yes, Grants Pass has 42 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass's tap water come from?
Grants Pass's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GRANTS PASS, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 37,138 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Grants Pass'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. Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Grants Pass's water quality score of 55/100 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 Grants Pass's water quality?
If you have concerns about Grants Pass'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 (GRANTS PASS, CITY OF) 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.