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Questions about this information? Contact the Water Quality Line.
We’re here to help everyone, including bill-paying customers, renters, and businesses.
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Drinking water quality is a shared responsibility
The Portland Water Bureau works to ensure safe and reliable drinking water is delivered to your home, but customers also have responsibilities to maintain that water quality and pressure in their home.
Easy ways to maintain water quality in your home or building:
- Test your water for lead (for free!)
- Maintain water filters according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Clean faucet aerator screens regularly
- Maintain your hot water heater
- Install and maintain backflow devices when required
- Managers of large buildings should implement a water management program
- Learn how to check for leaks
- Order free water efficient devices for your home
Troubleshooting guides
Are you seeing something out of the ordinary at your tap? We have several troubleshooting guides to help you address the issue:
- Discolored water
- Taste or smell
- Water pressure and flow
- Filtering water at home
- Water heater maintenance
- Measuring pH
If the troubleshooting guides do not resolve your issue or you need more help, contact our water quality specialists.
Emergency water storage
It’s always a good idea to prepare ahead for water emergencies. You might already have what you need – jugs or a water filter for camping. Those can also serve you in an emergency. If you’re setting water aside (and we strongly recommend you do that regardless), put aside a gallon per person per day for about two weeks, plus more for pets. Learn more about how to store water for emergencies.
