Summer Lake, OR Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Summer Lake, water quality data indicates below-average safety by OR standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Summer Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Summer Lake Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.36 — above typical levels.
Summer Lake's Water Providers
Water service in Summer Lake, OR is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Summer Lake, Oregon (population ~160), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 245 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Summer Lake — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Summer Lake: D (53/100)
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
Summer Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Summer Lake
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97640 | D | PAISLEY, CITY OF | 245 |
All ZIP Codes in Summer Lake
- 97640 [D]
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.
Summer Lake 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
Summer Lake 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
Post-1986 construction is where the lower lead-solder risk lives, because that's when the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing took effect. In Summer Lake, where the median build year is 2007, the housing stock falls broadly on the newer side of that threshold — a distribution that moderates aggregate plumbing-era risk compared to older housing markets.
Most homes in Summer Lake 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 Summer Lake
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Summer Lake is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Summer Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% below the Oregon average.
Summer Lake: 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.
If aggregate samples sit below the EPA action level and just 25% of Summer Lake's inventory comes from the pre-rule era, systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. The aggregate still cannot tell a homeowner what is actually flowing from a specific faucet on a specific morning, which is why an in-home draw exists as a separate measurement at the household tier.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Summer Lake
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Summer Lake, OR