C45/100
Milwaukie Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 50,946 residents · Oregon
What's In Milwaukie'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) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 11, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 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
MILWAUKIE, CITY OF
Population Served
20,946
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OR4100528
OAK LODGE WATER SERVICES
Population Served
30,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
OR4101512
Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukie Water
Is Milwaukie tap water safe to drink?
Milwaukie, Oregon tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 238 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Milwaukie's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Milwaukie's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Milwaukie have any water quality violations?
Yes, Milwaukie has 238 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Milwaukie?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Milwaukie is recommended. 1 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 Milwaukie's tap water come from?
Milwaukie's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MILWAUKIE, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 50,946 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Milwaukie'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. Milwaukie'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 Milwaukie's water compare to other cities in Oregon?
Milwaukie's water quality score of 45/100 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 Milwaukie's water quality?
If you have concerns about Milwaukie'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 (MILWAUKIE, 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.