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This annual report contains important information about Portland's drinking water and water system.
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About this report
Each year, the Portland Water Bureau provides this Drinking Water Quality Report to all of its customers. This report, required by the state and the EPA, contains important information about Portland's drinking water and water system.
The following 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report contains results for all regulated contaminants the bureau detected in our drinking water in 2025.
The contaminants in this report are just a part of the over 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants that Portland tests for in our drinking water. Additional results are available on our Drinking Water Test Results page.
Please share this information with anyone who drinks this water (or their guardians), especially those who may not have received this report directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this report in a public place or distributing copies by hand, mail, email, or another method.
Questions about the information in this report or need additional translations or disability access? Contact our Water Quality Line.
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Portland’s drinking water sources and water treatment
Our drinking water sources: Bull Run Watershed
The Bull Run Watershed, Portland’s protected surface water supply, is in the Mount Hood National Forest, 26 miles from Portland. The Portland Water Bureau and the US Forest Service carefully manage the watershed to sustain and supply clean drinking water for nearly one million people. In a typical year, the watershed receives an astounding 135 inches of precipitation (rain and snow), which flows into the Bull Run River and then into two reservoirs that store nearly 10 billion gallons of drinking water.
Source water assessments are completed to identify contaminants of concern for drinking water. Portland's most recent source water assessment from 2019 is available online or by calling 503-823-7525.
The only contaminants of concern in the Bull Run are naturally occurring microorganisms that live in virtually all freshwater ecosystems, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, fecal coliform bacteria, and total coliform bacteria. Some of these organisms can make people sick. Portland's drinking water treatment controls all of these organisms except for Cryptosporidium. Portland is installing filtration to remove Cryptosporidium and other contaminants from drinking water by September 2029.
Our drinking water sources: Columbia South Shore Well Field
The Columbia South Shore Well Field, Portland’s protected groundwater supply, provides drinking water from 25 active wells located in three different aquifers. The well field is between Portland International Airport and Blue Lake Park. Portland uses the well field for two purposes: to supplement the Bull Run supply in the summer and fall, and to temporarily replace the Bull Run supply during turbidity events, maintenance activities, and emergencies.
The Columbia South Shore Well Field is beneath homes and businesses with a variety of potential contaminant sources. The deep aquifers that are the primary sources of water supply have natural geologic protection from pollutants present at the land surface. Portland, Gresham, and Fairview work together to protect the well field. The cities’ Groundwater Protection Program works with residents and businesses in the well field to ensure that pollutants from this urban area do not impact the groundwater source.
Our drinking water treatment
Portland treats our drinking water to keep our community safe. Currently, Portland’s drinking water treatment is a three-step process:
- Chlorine disinfects against organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that could otherwise make people sick.
- Ammonia stabilizes chlorine to form a longer-lasting disinfectant.
- Sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide are added to Bull Run water, while sodium hydroxide is added to groundwater, to reduce the corrosion of metals such as lead.
Portland is in the process of improving our Bull Run treatment by 2029. Portland does not currently filter Bull Run drinking water. In response to a series of low-level detections of Cryptosporidium in Bull Run water, Portland is installing a filtration facility to treat for Cryptosporidium. Portland anticipates the filtration facility will be online in 2029.
You have questions about water quality? We have answers!
About the Water Quality Line
Lillian and Matt (se habla español), our Water Quality Line staff, answer questions from homeowners, renters, and businesses about water quality and water pressure every day. Contacting the Water Quality Line is free, with language interpretation at no cost.
Here are answers to some common questions. You can also check out our troubleshooting guides for discolored water, low or high water pressure, tastes or odors in drinking water, and measuring pH in our water.
Has Portland tested its drinking water for PFAS?
Yes, and fortunately PFAS have not been detected in drinking water from either of our water sources. PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are a group of chemicals that are a concern nationwide. Portland shares this concern and takes steps to protect and test our drinking water for PFAS. Learn more on our PFAS page.
Is Portland’s water soft or hard?
Bull Run water—Portland’s main water supply—is soft. It typically has a total hardness of 7 to 11 parts per million (ppm), or approximately ½ a grain of hardness per gallon. Portland’s groundwater supply is moderately hard: about 80 ppm, or about 5 grains per gallon. More hardness information is available on our Test Results page.
What is the pH of Portland’s water?
The pH of Portland’s drinking water typically ranges between 8.0 and 9.0. More pH information is available on our Test Results page.
Does Portland add fluoride to the water?
No. Fluoride naturally occurs in Portland’s water at very low levels. You may want to ask your dentist or doctor about supplemental fluoride for preventing tooth decay. This is especially important for young children. More fluoride information is available on our Test Results page.
How can I get my water tested?
For free lead-in-water testing, residents and child care providers can order a kit online or by calling 503-823-7525. For other testing, you can pay a private, accredited laboratory to test your tap water. Information about accredited labs in Oregon can be found online or by calling 503-693-4100.
What causes temporarily discolored water?
Sediment and organic material from the Bull Run Watershed settle at the bottom of water main pipes. These can sometimes be stirred up during hydrant use or a main break. They can also be seen in the fall as a harmless tea-colored tint. Discolored water can also be caused by older pipes in buildings that add rust to the water. Learn more on our discolored water page.
How should property managers maintain water quality in large buildings?
Managers of large buildings should implement a water management program to protect their water quality and address the risk of Legionella growth. This is especially important for healthcare facilities and residential buildings for people 65 or older. Learn more on our water quality in large buildings page.
What the EPA says can be found in drinking water
Across the United States, the sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include: microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa from wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such as naturally occurring salts and metals; pesticides and herbicides, which may come from farming, urban stormwater runoff, or home and business use; organic chemical contaminants, such as byproducts from industrial processes or the result of chlorine combining with naturally occurring organic matter; and radioactive contaminants, such as naturally occurring radon.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at EPA's drinking water website.
Keeping your drinking water safe
It's literally our full-time job!
It takes a lot of work to move our high-quality H2O to your tap, and we wouldn't have it any other way. You have over 600 City employees working for you every day to deliver safe, clean, and great-tasting drinking water.
Your drinking water starts at two highly protected sources. We operate strong protection programs, including regular source water testing, to make sure they remain high-quality sources of drinking water.
Then we treat your drinking water and test the finished product to ensure it is safe to drink. We have a team of experts and instruments who track water quality around the clock.
Finally, your drinking water travels through our system of water pipes, delivered right to your tap! Our crews put in hard work day and night to maintain the water system and keep safe water flowing.
An award-winning year
Drinking Water Source Protection Award
In 2025, Portland received a Drinking Water Source Protection Award from the Oregon Health Authority. This award recognizes our excellence in protecting Portland's two drinking water sources. By protecting our water sources, we protect public health and water quality.
Best-Tasting Water Award
In March 2025, Portland won the annual Best-Tasting Water Award from our industry peers at the Northwest Oregon Subsection of the American Water Works Association! Who's surprised? Not us—Portlanders already know we have the best drinking water.
Envision Platinum Award
In December 2025, our Bull Run filtration facility was awarded an Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. This award recognizes our comprehensive approach to sustainability and climate resilience throughout the filtration project's planning, design, and construction.
Contaminants detected in 2025
Definitions
Find definitions of acronyms and terms used in the following data tables.
CFU: colony forming units
An estimation of the number of fecal coliform bacteria in a water sample.
Contaminant
Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.
MCL: maximum contaminant level
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MCLG: maximum contaminant level goal
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MRDL: maximum residual disinfectant level
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG: maximum residual disinfectant level goal
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
N/A: not applicable
Some contaminants do not have a health-based level or goal defined by the EPA, or the MCL or MCLG does not apply to that result.
NTU: nephelometric turbidity unit
A unit for measuring the turbidity, or cloudiness, of a water sample.
ppm: parts per million
A small amount of a substance within the water. In terms of time, one part per million is about 32 seconds out of one year.
ppb: parts per billion
A very small amount of a substance within the water. In terms of time, one part per billion is about 3 seconds out of one hundred years.
pCi/L: picocuries per liter
A unit for measuring the radioactivity of a water sample.
Regulated contaminant
A contaminant that has a drinking water limit set by the EPA based on health risk or aesthetic characteristics.
TT: treatment technique
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Unregulated contaminant
A contaminant that does not have a drinking water limit set by the EPA but may have one set in the future.
Data tables with results from 2025
| Regulated contaminant | Levels detected in Portland’s water | EPA limit: MCL or TT | EPA goal: MCLG | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbidity (NTU) | 0.2–3.3 | 5 | N/A | Erosion of natural deposits |
| Giardia (cysts/liter) | 0–4.9 | TT | N/A | Animal wastes |
Fecal coliform bacteria (% more than 20 CFU per 100 milliliters [mL] in 6 months) | 0.6% | 10% | N/A | Animal wastes |
Fecal coliform bacteria (CFU/100 mL) Range of single results | 0–7 | N/A | N/A | Animal wastes |
| Regulated contaminant | Levels detected in Portland’s water | EPA limit: MCL | EPA goal: MCLG | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (ppb) | <0.50–1.03 | 10 | 0 | Found in natural deposits |
| Barium (ppm) | 0.0008–0.01 | 2 | 2 | Found in natural deposits |
| Fluoride (ppm) | <0.025–0.096 | 4 | 4 | Found in natural deposits |
| Nitrate (as nitrogen) (ppm) | <0.01–0.11 | 10 | 10 | Found in natural deposits, animal wastes |
Learn more about these metals and nutrients
| Regulated contaminant | Levels detected in Portland’s water | EPA limit: TT | EPA goal: MCLG | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria (% positive per month) | 0–0.4% | TT | N/A | Found throughout the environment |
Learn more about total coliform bacteria
| Regulated contaminant | Levels detected in Portland’s water | EPA limit: MRDL or MCL | EPA goal: MRDLG or MCLG | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total chlorine (ppm) Running annual average | 1.96–1.98 | 4 | 4 | Chlorine used to disinfect water |
| Total chlorine (ppm) Range of single results at all sites | 0.48–2.79 | N/A | N/A | Chlorine used to disinfect water |
| Haloacetic acids (ppb) Running annual average at any one site | 21.6–28.3 | 60 | N/A | Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
| Haloacetic acids (ppb) Range of single results at all sites | 12.0–41.5 | N/A | N/A | Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
| Total trihalomethanes (ppb) Running annual average at any one site | 22.0–32.6 | 80 | N/A | Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
| Total trihalomethanes (ppb) Range of single results at all sites | 15.8–42.9 | N/A | N/A | Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
Learn more about these disinfectant levels and byproducts
| Unregulated contaminant | Levels detected in Portland’s water | Average level detected in Portland’s water | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese (ppb) | 1.9–43.8 | 23.9 | Found in natural deposits |
| Radon (pCi/L) | <30–388 | 194 | Found in natural deposits |
| Sodium (ppm) | 11–12 | 11.75 | Found in natural deposits |
Learn more about these unregulated contaminants
Additional data
Cryptosporidium and lead data are listed below. Looking for additional data, such as pH, hardness, or PFAS? Find it in the question-and-answer section above or on our Drinking Water Test Results page.
About these contaminants
Learn more about the contaminants listed in the tables above.
Arsenic, barium, fluoride, and manganese
These metals are elements found in the earth's crust. They can dissolve into water that is in contact with natural deposits. At the levels found in Portland’s drinking water, they are unlikely to result in negative health effects.
Fecal coliform bacteria
Fecal waste from wildlife in the watershed is the source of fecal coliform bacteria, a microorganism that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Portland is required to test our untreated water for fecal coliform bacteria before chlorine is added. After testing, Portland treats its water with chlorine to control these bacteria.
Giardia
Wildlife in the watershed may be hosts to Giardia, a microorganism that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The treatment technique is to remove 99.9 percent of Giardia cysts. After testing our untreated water for Giardia, Portland treats its water with chlorine to control these organisms.
Haloacetic acids and total trihalomethanes
Disinfection byproducts form when chlorine interacts with naturally occurring organic material in the water. High levels of disinfection byproducts can cause health problems in people. Portland adds ammonia to the water to form a more stable disinfectant, which helps minimize disinfection byproducts.
Nitrate (as nitrogen)
Nitrate, measured as nitrogen, can lead to bacterial and algal growth in the water. At levels above the EPA limit, nitrate can contribute to health problems. At the levels found in Portland’s drinking water, nitrate is unlikely to result in negative health effects.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Radon can be detected at very low levels in the Bull Run water supply and at varying levels in the groundwater supply. At the levels found in Portland’s drinking water, radon in water is unlikely to result in negative health effects.
Sodium
There is currently no drinking water standard for sodium. At the levels found in Portland’s drinking water, sodium is unlikely to result in negative health effects.
Total chlorine
Total chlorine in the water distribution system is a measure of free chlorine and chlorine combined with ammonia. We need effective and safe levels of chlorine to remain in the water to keep the water safe from bacteria and other microorganisms. At the levels found in Portland’s drinking water, chlorine is unlikely to result in negative health effects.
Total coliform bacteria
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and usually do not make people sick. They are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Portland treats its water with chlorine to control these bacteria. If these bacteria are found in more than 5 percent of samples in a month, the treatment technique requires we investigate and correct any possible causes.
Turbidity
Turbidity is the cloudiness of a water sample. In Portland’s system, increased turbidity usually comes from large storms or landslides, which suspend organic material in Bull Run water. Increased turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide an environment for microorganisms to grow. Since Portland does not yet filter Bull Run water, we are required to test for turbidity. The treatment technique limit is that turbidity at the intake cannot exceed 5 NTU more than twice in 12 months. When turbidity rises in the Bull Run source, Portland can switch to its groundwater source.
Monitoring for Cryptosporidium
| Total number of samples tested | Total number of samples positive for Cryptosporidium | Levels detected in Portland’s water (oocysts/liter) | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 193 | 54 | 0–0.08 | Animal wastes |
Cryptosporidium is a potentially disease-causing microorganism that lives in virtually all freshwater ecosystems. Drinking water treatment for Cryptosporidium is required by state and federal regulations. For five years, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) did not require the Portland Water Bureau to treat for Cryptosporidium based on data showing that Cryptosporidium was rarely found in the Bull Run Watershed. In 2017, after the start of low-level Cryptosporidium detections, the OHA determined that treatment is now necessary. Detections of Cryptosporidium from the Bull Run have continued, primarily during the rainy season.
The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2029 under a compliance schedule with the OHA. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials continues to conclude that the general public does not need to take any additional precautions.
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their health care professional about the safety of drinking the tap water.
Special notice for immunocompromised persons
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly people, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
Bull Run Filtration Project updates
About the filtration project
We are building a new filtration facility to protect public health and comply with federal and state drinking water regulations.
When complete, the Bull Run filtration facility will remove Cryptosporidium, sediment, and organic matter, while also reducing disinfection byproducts and ensuring our water system remains resilient against earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.
Learn more about the benefits of the filtration project
Project and construction updates
In early 2026, Portland reached an important milestone for the project when the state Land Use Board of Appeals affirmed the project's land use permits from Multnomah County. While this decision clears the way to continue construction, the multi-year land use process was longer than expected and resulted in construction delays.
To address the delays, Portland adjusted both the project timeline and cost. The Oregon Health Authority approved our request to extend the deadline to September 2029. The City has also updated the project cost estimate to $2.56 billion, reflecting added construction requirements and the impacts of complex land use permitting delays.
The project is using many cost-management strategies, including low-interest federal loans and a Project Delivery Advisory Team to help navigate the complexities of large-scale construction and enhance accountability. We also continue to invest in our financial assistance programs to reduce impacts on our customers.
Struggling to pay your bill? We're here to help.
We remain focused on a strong finish to this project. Major excavation is complete, concrete work is well underway, and crews have installed more than 10,200 feet (1.9 miles) of new resilient pipeline. Over the next year, the facility will begin to take shape above ground.
Follow along: check out our construction progress photos
Learn more about filtration construction activities
Protecting public health
While we build the filtration facility, we are also taking steps to protect public health from the risk of Cryptosporidium in drinking water. These efforts include:
- Maintaining the Bull Run Watershed's strong protections to minimize sources of Cryptosporidium
- Testing Bull Run drinking water for Cryptosporidium multiple times per week
- Partnering with public health officials to monitor for potential effects of Cryptosporidium in drinking water
- Notifying the public when Cryptosporidium is detected in drinking water
Reducing exposure to lead
Lead and copper test results from homes with higher risk of lead in water
We offer free lead-in-water tests to anyone in the service area. Every year, we also collect water samples from at least 50 homes with lead solder in the home plumbing. Due to the lead solder, these homes are more likely to have higher levels of lead in water. Test results from these homes in 2025 were below the EPA action level. Individual results from each home are available on OHA's data portal.
| Regulated contaminant | Levels detected in high-risk homes | 90th percentile results | Homes exceeding action level | EPA limit: action level | EPA goal: MCLG | Source of contaminant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (ppb) | <0.05–13.4 | 4.9 | 0 out of 98 | 15 | 0 | Corrosion of household and building plumbing systems |
| Copper (ppm) | 0.005–0.5 | 0.15 | 0 out of 98 | 1.3 | 1.3 | Corrosion of household and building plumbing systems |
Definitions
Find definitions for the acronyms and terms used in the above table.
90th percentile
90 percent of the sample results were less than the values shown.
Action level
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. If the 90th percentile results are above the action level, Portland must take action.
ppm: parts per million
A small amount of a substance within the water. In terms of time, one part per million is about 32 seconds out of one year.
ppb: parts per billion
A very small amount of a substance within the water. In terms of time, one part per billion is about 3 seconds out of one hundred years.
What to know about lead
The Portland Water Bureau cares about the health of the families in our community and is committed to helping you reduce your exposure to lead. Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed/chestfed), and young children.
Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. Portland is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water and removing lead pipes. While Portland has no known lead service lines, we cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time.
Sources of lead in Portland
Lead is rarely found in Portland’s source waters. Additionally, in 2024 we certified with the state that Portland has no known lead service lines. We reviewed records and conducted site inspections to make this determination. Find more information about our process and findings on our lead web page.
In Portland, lead enters drinking water from household plumbing materials containing lead. These materials include lead-based solder used between 1970 and 1985 to join copper pipe, and brass parts and faucets installed before 2014.
The most common sources of lead exposure in Portland are lead-based paint and household dust. Learn more at the LeadLine (503-988-4000).
Portland reduces lead at the tap
Portland treats its water to reduce lead levels at the tap. Sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide are added to Bull Run water to increase the pH and alkalinity while sodium hydroxide is added to groundwater to increase the pH. This treatment protects your water from lead in your home plumbing materials.
Corrosion of pipes, plumbing fittings, and fixtures may cause lead and copper to enter drinking water. To assess corrosion of lead and copper, Portland conducts tap sampling for lead and copper at selected sites once per year. Portland treats water by adjusting pH and alkalinity to control corrosion, which was designated as the optimal corrosion control treatment by OHA. To ensure the treatment is operating effectively, Portland monitors water quality parameters set by OHA four times per year.
Improved treatment successfully lowers lead levels
In 2022, we began using improved corrosion control treatment to reduce lead levels at the tap. Since then, we have seen a noticeable reduction in lead levels in homes that have lead solder. These results show that our improved water treatment is working to protect our community from lead in plumbing systems.
What to know about home plumbing and water quality
Drinking water quality is a shared responsibility. We deliver safe and reliable drinking water to your home, but you also have a role in maintaining that water quality and pressure in your home.
Here's a few ways that home plumbing systems can impact your water quality, and what you can do about it.
What you can do about lead
Some homes can have lead parts in the plumbing. You can help protect yourself and your family by:
- Identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk.
- Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead, is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Running your water to flush any lead out. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes.
- Testing your water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, order a free lead-in-water test kit online or call 503-823-7525.
Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at the EPA's lead page.
What you can do about rusty water that clears quickly
Some homes have older iron pipes that can add rust to the water. If you see color when you first turn on the water but it clears after you run it, you likely have iron pipes. You can run your faucet as needed to bring in fresh water from the water main, purchase a water filter, or consider replacing your pipes. Contact the Water Quality Line and ask for a water test kit that includes testing for iron.
What you can do to manage water in large buildings
Large buildings can have complex water systems that, if not managed properly, could lead to the growth of Legionella bacteria. If inhaled through small water drops or mist, Legionella can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' Disease.
If you are a building owner or manager, you can prevent the growth of Legionella by developing a water management plan to maintain the water quality in your building. There are many industry resources to help you build and implement your water management plan. You can find these listed on our water quality in large buildings page. Preventing Legionella growth is especially important in healthcare facilities and residential buildings for people 65 or older.
We're here to help!
Have questions about your water quality or need help troubleshooting? Our staff at the Water Quality Line are here to help. You can contact us online or by calling 503-823-7525.
Additional drinking water information
The Clackamas River Water District, City of Gresham, City of Lake Oswego, City of Milwaukie, Rockwood Water People’s Utility District, Sunrise Water Authority, and Tualatin Valley Water District provide drinking water to some Portland customers who live near service area boundaries. Customers who receive water from these providers will receive additional information about these sources in addition to this report.
Additional drinking water information from the Oregon Health Authority: 971-673-0405. Find more information on the state’s data portal for Portland. Portland Water Bureau’s Water System ID: 4100657
The Portland Water Bureau is part of the City of Portland's Public Works Service Area.
The Portland Water Bureau is a proud member of the Regional Water Providers Consortium. Learn more about our region’s water and our collaborative work in emergency preparedness and water conservation on the Consortium’s website.
Last updated: June 2026
Reports from previous years
2025 Drinking Water Quality Report
2024 Drinking Water Quality Report
2023 Drinking Water Quality Report
2022 Drinking Water Quality Report
2021 Drinking Water Quality Report
All reports are available in Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Please call 503-823-7525 to request a translation of the report. Interpretation services are available.