F6/100
Madras Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,640 residents · Oregon
What's In Madras's Tap Water?
63
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
MADRAS, CITY OF
Population Served
3,940
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OR4100500
DESCHUTES VALLEY WATER DIST
Population Served
11,700
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OR4100501
Frequently Asked Questions About Madras Water
Is Madras tap water safe to drink?
Madras, Oregon tap water receives a grade of F (6/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 158 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Madras's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Madras'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 Madras have any water quality violations?
Yes, Madras has 158 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Madras?
Madras 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 Madras's tap water come from?
Madras's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MADRAS, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 15,640 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Madras'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. Madras'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 Madras's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Madras's water quality score of 6/100 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 Madras's water quality?
If you have concerns about Madras'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 (MADRAS, 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.