Powell Butte, OR Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Powell Butte produce average compliance results for OR overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Powell Butte Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Powell Butte Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 15% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 14.01 — above typical levels.
Powell Butte's Water Providers
Across most of Powell Butte, OR, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Powell Butte, Oregon (population ~3,041), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 37,566 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Powell Butte — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Powell Butte: C (66/100)
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
Powell Butte water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Powell Butte
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97753 | C | REDMOND WATER DEPARTMENT | 37,566 |
All ZIP Codes in Powell Butte
- 97753 [C]
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.
Powell Butte 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
Powell Butte Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints — a practice banned that year. Powell Butte's median build year of 2007 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.
Most homes in Powell Butte 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.
Powell Butte: 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.
Generally, the structural picture for Powell Butte runs in a quiet direction. Aggregate sampling rests under the federal action benchmark, and 15% of housing comes from the pre-rule era — a contained local footprint. That dual signal keeps lead in the background of local concerns, while a one-faucet measurement still answers a different question than any system average can: what is actually flowing from one specific tap on a given morning.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Powell Butte
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Powell Butte, OR