Hermiston, OR: 17 Violations — 75/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Hermiston have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in OR reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Hermiston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Hermiston Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 17 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.32 — above typical levels.
Hermiston's Water Providers
Water service in Hermiston, OR is split across 3 utilities out of 7 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hermiston, Oregon, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 27,979 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hermiston: B (75/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Hermiston water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 16 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 3028 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97838 | B | 17 | 0 | City of Hermiston, |
All ZIP Codes in Hermiston
- 97838 [B] — 17 violations
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
Updated daily.
Hermiston Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Hermiston's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Hermiston Infrastructure Age
With 49% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for Hermiston, with a median build year of 1983, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Hermiston were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Hermiston
Across the Hermiston housing market, the estimated remediation share lands in a middle tier — not a minor footnote, but not a prohibitive burden either; the cost-to-value ratio reflects a moderate equity commitment, one that sits above routine maintenance territory and warrants a dedicated line in the household budget.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Hermiston. The estimated $1,600–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 32% below the Oregon average.
Hermiston: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Hermiston. 49% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Hermiston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Hermiston's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 3 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Hermiston has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $34,939 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hermiston, OR