DEXTER, Oregon Tap Water Quality

195 people served · 2 water systems

Failing

DEXTER, Oregon is a rural community with 195 residents served by 2 public water systems. Water service covers ZIP code 97431.

DEXTER has accumulated a significant number of EPA health-based violations. Reviewing the contaminants involved, requesting your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and using certified point-of-use filtration is strongly advisable.

EPA reporting identifies Arsenic among the regulated contaminants associated with DEXTER's recent health-based violations. Each contaminant has different sources, health implications, and recommended mitigation steps — links to the full EPA reference for each are listed alongside the violation history below.

Last updated: 2026-05-18 · Source: EPA SDWIS

Location

Loading map...

Centered on ZIP-code centroids of water systems serving this city.

ZIP Codes Served

97431

Health-Based Violations (Last 5 Years)

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level exceedances reported by water systems serving DEXTER. Each entry explains the contaminant, the health risk, and recommended precautions, and links to a full guide.

Arsenicchemical

EPA Code 1005 · Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedance

violations

EPA Limit

0.01 mg/L

Last Reading

.013 MG/L

First Reported

Jan 2021

Most Recent

Jan 2023

What this violation means

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen that occurs naturally in groundwater across many parts of the United States, especially the Southwest and parts of New England. Long-term exposure even at low levels has been linked to bladder, lung, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and developmental effects in children.

Recommended precautions

→Reverse osmosis filtration removes arsenic effectively.
→Distillation also removes arsenic — point-of-use distillers work for drinking and cooking water.
→Boiling does NOT remove arsenic. It actually concentrates it as water evaporates.
→If your well water has arsenic, test annually and treat at the point of entry.

Read the complete guide to Arsenic

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Health-based violations only. Older violations may have been resolved; check your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report for current status.

Water Systems Serving DEXTER

DEXTER SHORES MOBILE HOME PARK

PWSID: OR4100997

120 served

DEXTER OAKS CO-OP

PWSID: OR4100998

75 served

34 violations

What Can You Do?

✅ Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — required by law.
✅ Use an NSF-certified water filter if violations involve lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
✅ Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing (reduces lead).
✅ Check back monthly — we update data from the EPA every 30 days.

About this data

This overview reflects EPA SDWIS data published as of 2026-05-18. It covers active Community Water Systems (CWS) that exceeded federal Maximum Contaminant Levels during the past five-year EPA reporting window. For up-to-the-minute information, request a current Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, or review the EPA's public dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DEXTER, Oregon tap water safe to drink?▼

This city's water had numerous EPA violations in the last 5 years. Consider filtered water.

How many EPA violations does DEXTER have?▼

DEXTER has 34 EPA health-based water violations in the last 5 years across 2 water systems serving 195 people.

What contaminants have been found in DEXTER water?▼

The following EPA-regulated contaminants have been detected: 1005. View details about each contaminant, health effects, and recommended precautions above in the violations table.

Should I use a water filter in DEXTER?▼

Using an NSF-certified water filter is recommended if your area has violations involving lead, arsenic, or PFAS. For other contaminants, consult your local water utility. Check the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for detailed guidance.

What should I do if there are violations in DEXTER?▼

Request your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by the EPA. Follow the utility's guidance on boil water advisories. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing. Use an NSF-certified filter if needed based on your water system's violations.