WATER QUALITY OR

Water Quality in Saint Helens, OR: No Violations — Grade C

Grade C · Score 55/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Saint Helens'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

Saint Helens, 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 Saint Helens

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

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
97051	C	55	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Saint Helens, Oregon receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 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 Saint Helens. 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. Saint Helens'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 Saint Helens is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.

With 59% of homes built before 1986, Saint Helens 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

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

Water Systems Serving Saint Helens

Saint Helens is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,995 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 Saint Helens

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

Saint Helens vs. Nearby Oregon Cities

How Saint Helens's water quality compares to similar cities in Oregon:

City	Grade	Violations	Systems	Population
Saint Helens	C	0	1	1,995
Columbia City	B	6	1	1,995
Deer Island	C	0	1	1,995
Riddle	C	25	5	2,014

Common Questions About Saint Helens Water

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

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

Can I drink Saint Helens tap water? Saint Helens's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

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

Saint Helens vs. Oregon Average

Understanding how Saint Helens 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 Saint Helens.

ZIP Codes in Saint Helens

Saint Helens 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 Saint Helens tap water safe to drink?

Saint Helens's water receives a grade of C (55/100). Some areas have recorded violations — residents in affected ZIP codes may want to consider water testing.

What contaminants are found in Saint Helens water?

Saint Helens 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 Saint Helens have?

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

How many water systems serve Saint Helens?

Saint Helens 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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