Rhododendron, OR: 1 Health Violation — 89/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Rhododendron's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for OR — and documented violations are few.
How Rhododendron Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Rhododendron Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0041 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.12 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Rhododendron
Multiple utilities divide Rhododendron, OR's water service — 3 leading providers among 4 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rhododendron, Oregon (population ~2,015), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 3,330 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rhododendron: A (89/100)
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
Rhododendron water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0041 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97049 | A | 2 | 1 | Rhododendron Wtr Assoc |
All ZIP Codes in Rhododendron
- 97049 [A] — 2 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.
CDC Health Data for Rhododendron
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Rhododendron
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Rhododendron's Housing Stock?
With 69% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Rhododendron — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1965 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Rhododendron were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Rhododendron: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Rhododendron, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Rhododendron are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,950–$4,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% above the Oregon average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Rhododendron
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 69% of Rhododendron stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Rhododendron
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Rhododendron shows 25 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Rhododendron has a moderate flood history with 25 FEMA claims averaging $54,388 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 Rhododendron, OR