F0/100
Hermiston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,000 residents · Oregon
What's In Hermiston's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.012 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFHxS | 0.012 µg/L | 0.010 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
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
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
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
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence 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
HERMISTON, CITY OF
Population Served
20,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OR4100372
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermiston Water
Is Hermiston tap water safe to drink?
Hermiston, Oregon tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 132 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Hermiston's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Hermiston's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Hermiston have any water quality violations?
Yes, Hermiston has 132 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, TT. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Hermiston?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Hermiston is recommended. 2 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 Hermiston's tap water come from?
Hermiston's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by HERMISTON, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 20,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Hermiston'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. Hermiston'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 Hermiston's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Hermiston's water quality score of 0/100 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 Hermiston's water quality?
If you have concerns about Hermiston'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 (HERMISTON, 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.