PFAS in Drinking Water in Oregon
What residents of Oregon need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Oregon Health Authority, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon has documented PFAS contamination from Portland Air National Guard Base at Portland International Airport and from industrial sites in the Willamette Valley. The Portland metro area's proximity to both military and industrial PFAS sources has driven Oregon Health Authority to implement proactive PFAS monitoring. Oregon also has a large private well population in rural areas.
Where does PFAS come from in Oregon?
Portland ANG Base at Portland International Airport is Oregon's primary military PFAS source, with AFFF contaminating groundwater in the northeast Portland/Columbia Corridor area. Industrial facilities in the Willamette Valley — particularly in the Portland and Salem metro areas — also contribute PFAS from manufacturing and fire training. Oregon's wet climate means PFAS can migrate rapidly through shallow Pacific Northwest soils.
What should Oregon residents know?
Northeast Portland area residents and Columbia Corridor communities near Portland International Airport face the most direct military PFAS risk. Oregon OHA has conducted statewide PFAS monitoring under UCMR5 and has established a health-based guideline for PFAS. The Willamette River — the primary drinking water source for Portland and mid-valley cities — should be monitored for PFAS from upstream industrial sources.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Portland ANG Base (PDX area), Willamette Valley industrial sites |
| Portland water source | Bull Run watershed (Mount Hood) — relatively low PFAS risk; Columbia South Shore wells monitored separately |
| State regulator | Oregon Health Authority (OHA) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or granular activated carbon |
Why PFAS Matters in Oregon
Oregon's PFAS concerns center on the Portland metro area but extend statewide. Portland ANG Base at PDX has documented AFFF use and groundwater monitoring. Portland's water utility — Portland Water Bureau — draws primarily from the Bull Run watershed in the Mount Hood National Forest, which has lower PFAS risk than groundwater near industrial sources. However, some Portland area communities draw from Columbia South Shore well field, which is closer to potential PFAS sources. Oregon OHA has been proactive in PFAS testing and has developed health-based guidelines for residential exposures.
Oregon PFAS Regulation
Oregon OHA participates in UCMR5 monitoring and has surveyed PFAS at Portland Air National Guard Base and Kingsley Field (Klamath Falls). Oregon's clean Columbia River source water for Portland means the metro area has lower PFAS exposure compared to military-adjacent communities. Oregon follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Oregon Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Oregon utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Northeast Portland and Columbia Corridor communities near Portland International Airport, rural Willamette Valley private well users near industrial facilities, and communities drawing from Willamette River water supplies should prioritize reviewing available PFAS monitoring data.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Oregon
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Oregon utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Oregon utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Oregon PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Oregon State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Oregon Health Authority ↗