Is Medford Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Yes. Tap water in Medford, Oregon, is generally safe to drink because the Medford Water Commission treats and tests its supplies to meet federal and Oregon drinking water standards.
Water quality can be affected by household plumbing, especially older lead service lines or fixtures. Follow any temporary boil-water notice issued by the utility, but under normal conditions, Medford tap water is suitable for drinking.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
United States is ranked as number 9 globally with a score of 96.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Medford, United States
Medford, Oregon, gets most of its tap water from Big Butte Springs, located northeast of the city near the Cascade foothills. The spring water is naturally filtered underground and generally receives only disinfection before entering the distribution system.
The city also draws supplemental water from the Rogue River. Rogue River water is treated at the Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant before it is delivered to customers.
Medford Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Medford generally use treated municipal water that is regulated under Oregon and U.S. drinking-water standards, making them safe for routine use when properly maintained. The city’s public water supply is tested for contaminants and treated to meet health requirements.
Avoid a fountain that is visibly dirty, damaged, or marked out of service, and follow any posted water-quality advisory. Let the water run briefly before drinking, especially if the fountain has not been used recently.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Medford. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.