WATER QUALITY OR

Water Quality in Gales Creek, OR: No Violations — Grade C

Grade C · Score 63/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Gales Creek's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Gales Creek, OR has zero reported violations — 1 water system, all compliant.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Gales Creek

Water quality varies across Gales Creek's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
97117	C	63	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Gales Creek, Oregon receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Gales Creek. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Gales Creek's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

Lead testing data for Gales Creek is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.

With 67% of homes built before 1986, Gales Creek has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Radon Risk

Gales Creek is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Gales Creek

Gales Creek is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 26,838 people across 1 ZIP codes.

Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:

Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
Report results to the EPA and state regulators
Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
Take corrective action when violations occur

How to Check Your Water in Gales Creek

Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Gales Creek vs. Nearby Oregon Cities

How Gales Creek's water quality compares to similar cities in Oregon:

City	Grade	Violations	Systems	Population
Gales Creek	C	0	1	26,838
Forest Grove	B	1	1	26,838
Wilsonville	A	7	2	26,115
Tualatin	B	2	1	28,106

Common Questions About Gales Creek Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Gales Creek, Oregon:

Is Gales Creek water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Gales Creek's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Gales Creek tap water? Gales Creek's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for Gales Creek? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Gales Creek vs. Oregon Average

Understanding how Gales Creek compares to the broader Oregon average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.

To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Gales Creek.

ZIP Codes in Gales Creek

Gales Creek spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.

Data Sources

Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gales Creek tap water safe to drink?

Gales Creek's water receives a grade of C (63/100). Some areas have recorded violations — residents in affected ZIP codes may want to consider water testing.

What contaminants are found in Gales Creek water?

Gales Creek water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does Gales Creek have?

Gales Creek has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 1 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve Gales Creek?

Gales Creek is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 1 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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