Water Quality Information

Medford Water’s top priority is providing drinking water of the highest quality to our customers. In fact, we made it our mission to safeguard public health by providing a reliable, high-quality water supply at the best value, and our award-winning water reflects this commitment.

_{Regular Monitoring Ensures Water Quality}

Monitoring the quality of the water supply is performed on a regular basis; this includes testing of the raw source water, the treated water in the distribution network, and in some cases of customers’ tap water.

Sampling ensures that the distributed water meets the strict standards for drinking water quality established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Regular testing is performed for organic and inorganic chemicals, volatile organic compounds, microbiological contaminants, disinfection by-products, and a variety of other chemical and physical quality parameters. Many of these are monitored continuously both at our Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant and in the distribution system. The water we supply has always met and surpassed all health-based standards. However, if a violation occurred, we would be required to inform our customers.

Every year we publish the results of this testing in in two reports, available below. It is also published on the State of Oregon’s website.

_{Big Butte Springs, a Pristine and Valuable Community Resource}

Big Butte Springs (BBS) has been our primary source of drinking water since 1927, and is one of the community’s most valuable and significant resources. The springs discharge water of exceptional quality, which is consistently cold and clear with natural chemical and physical characteristics, placing this source in a “pristine” classification. No man-made contaminants have ever been detected in the spring’s water. It requires no filtration or treatment other than disinfection, which is accomplished with chlorination on-site; spring flows are collected underground and never see the light of day until emerging from customers’ taps. Find more information on Big Butte Springs here.

_{The Rogue River, Helping to Meet Peak Seasonal Demand}

During the peak-use summer months, water from the Rogue River is used to supplement the springs supply. The river water is also of high quality, but additional treatment performed at the Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant is required to meet drinking water standards. Find more on this source here.

Find information on our treatment process on our Water Treatment page.

_{Water Quality Resources}

Water Quality Reports

Monitoring the quality of the water we supply is performed on a regular basis, and the results of this testing are issued in two different publications.

Water Quality FAQs and Issues

Get answers to questions about PFAS, algal toxins, Naegleria fowleri, disinfection by-products, water hardness, and much more.

Water Quality Partnerships

Our partnerships work to improve water quality, restore habitat, and encourage community members to become good stewards.

Backflow Prevention

Did you know that you may also play a role in preserving the quality of our water? It may be more important than you think!

Hydrant Flushing

Find out how hydrant flushing helps protect water quality.

Additional Resources