2022 Drinking Water Quality Report 2 - City of Portland, Oregon
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Drinking water sources 2
P O R T L A N D WAT E R B U R E AU
2022 Drinking Water Quality Report
Water quality FAQs 4
Bull Run Filtration Lead and improved corrosion
Project updates 11 Test results 6 control treatment 8
Portland’s Water System Most of
Portland’s
Established 1895
Sa
drinking water
nd
comes from
Bull Run Watershed
yR
iver the Bull Run
mbia R
iver
Colu
Watershed,
Water
Quality Lab Columbia South Bull Run Lake 26 miles east
Water Bureau Drinking water Reservoir & of downtown
Thousands employees collect Shore Well Field flows by gravity Dam 1
Wel Portland.
of hydrants and test more l Fi e l d P r o te c t i o n from Bull Run
safeguard Area Pumps pull groundwater
than 11,000 water to Portland. Reservoir &
the city. from the aquifers of the Dam 2
samples each year.
Columbia South Shore
Kelly Butte Well Field. Headworks
re a
Underground Treatment Bull Run Watershed Closure A Mt. Hood
Reservoir Facility
Lusted Hill Treatment
Treatment Facility operators add
Sand
y Rive
Washington r
Park Reservoir Treatment operators add chlorine to control
Will
microorganisms,
ame
ammonia to form a longer-
Downtown Portland Powell Butte such as bacteria or Portland’s drinking water system delivers water from two high-quality sources—
tte
lasting disinfectant. They
Underground
Rive
also add sodium carbonate viruses, that could the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field—to almost
Reservoirs
r
More than 2,200 miles of water mains make people sick.
and carbon dioxide to reduce one million people in Portland and surrounding communities.
carry water beneath the city’s streets. To Washington County
corrosion of metals.
Reservoirs and tanks store water for everyday use,
plus firefighting and emergency needs.
Portland’s drinking water sources Planning for a hotter climate
The Bull Run Watershed, Portland’s protected surface The Columbia South Shore Well Field, For over 100 years, Portland residents have enjoyed Portland Water Bureau
water supply, is in the Mount Hood National Forest, 26 miles Portland’s protected groundwater supply, safe and abundant drinking water at their taps. The Climate Commitments
from Portland. The Portland Water Bureau and the US Forest provides drinking water from 25 active wells next 100 years will require us to adapt to a changing
Service carefully manage the watershed to sustain and supply located in three different aquifers. The well field climate.
clean drinking water. In a typical year, the watershed receives an is between Portland International Airport and Reduce
The real and present heat waves, wildfires, and
50
astounding 135 inches of precipitation (rain and snow), which Blue Lake Park. Portland uses the well field for two Portland Water
droughts in our region have made it clear that our
flows into the Bull Run River and then into two reservoirs that purposes: to supplement the Bull Run supply in Bureau carbon
store nearly 10 billion gallons of drinking water. the summer, and to temporarily replace the Bull
climate is heating up rapidly and we are experiencing
the impacts here and now.
% emissions 50
Run supply during turbidity events, maintenance percent by 2030.
Source water assessments are completed to identify activities, and emergencies. For over two decades, the Portland Water Bureau has
contaminants of concern for drinking water. For the Bull Run, been evaluating climate change impacts to Portland’s
the only contaminants of concern are naturally occurring The Columbia South Shore Well Field is beneath
water supplies. We are actively planning for a hotter
microorganisms, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, fecal coliform homes and businesses with a variety of potential Purchase at
climate that will make disruptions to the water system
80
bacteria, and total coliform bacteria. The Portland Water Bureau contaminant sources. The deep aquifers that are least 80 percent
and extreme events more common.
regularly tests Bull Run water for these microorganisms that live
in virtually all freshwater ecosystems.
the primary sources of water supply have natural
geologic protection from pollutants present at In 2021, Portland Water Bureau’s director established % direct renewable
energy by 2030.
the land surface. Portland, Gresham, and Fairview three climate commitments to reduce the bureau’s
The Portland Water Bureau treats drinking water to control work together to protect the well field. The cities’ impact on climate change. We are also investing in our
organisms that would make people sick but does not currently Groundwater Protection Programs work with water system to be more resilient and reliable, taking
treat for Cryptosporidium. Portland is installing filtration to residents and businesses in the well field to ensure steps to protect our outdoor workforce during extreme Integrate
remove Cryptosporidium and other contaminants from drinking that pollutants from this urban area do not impact heat and wildfire smoke events, and reducing impacts meaningful
water by 2027. Learn more on pages 10 and 11. the groundwater source. on community members who are hit first and worst by climate analysis
2022
climate change. into our project
Portland’s source water assessment is available at More information about groundwater protection planning by the
portland.gov/water/resources/source-water-assessment and groundwater education events: More information: portland.gov/water/climate end of 2022.
or by calling 503-823-7525. portland.gov/water/groundwater
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 Get email updates when we make changes to our source water or treatment.
2 live near service area boundaries. Customers who receive water from these providers will receive detailed water quality Sign up at portland.gov/water/notification.
3
reports about these sources in addition to this report.
Frequently asked questions about water quality Controlling for Legionella is a shared responsibility
What test results will I find in this report? Is Portland’s water soft or hard? Legionella, the bacteria that causes
The Portland Water Bureau monitors drinking water Bull Run water—Portland’s main water supply—is very Legionnaires’ disease, is found across the Steps managers of large buildings
for over 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants. soft. It typically has a total hardness of 3–8 parts per country in natural freshwater bodies and should take to maintain water quality
This report lists all of the regulated contaminants the million (ppm), or ¼ to ½ a grain of hardness per gallon. in building plumbing and cooling systems.
bureau detected in drinking water in 2021. If a known Portland’s groundwater supply is moderately hard:
about 80 ppm, or about 5 grains per gallon.
The Portland Water Bureau treats drinking 1
health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, water to control Legionella and protect public Run water at
the Portland Water Bureau did not detect it in health. However, if water quality in buildings least weekly.
drinking water.
What is the pH of Portland’s water? is not maintained properly, Legionella bacteria
The pH of Portland’s drinking water typically ranges can grow in buildings and make people sick.
How is Portland’s drinking water treated? between 7.8 and 8.5. 2
Currently, Portland’s drinking water treatment is a three- The risk of getting sick from Legionella is low. Maintain hot water
140°
step process: 1) Chlorine disinfects against organisms, How can I get my water tested? Large buildings that have complex plumbing at or above 140° F.
such as bacteria and viruses, that could otherwise make For free lead-in-water testing, contact the LeadLine systems are at a greater risk to Legionella
at leadline.org or 503-988-4000. For other testing, growth. Managers of large buildings should 140°
people sick. 2) Ammonia stabilizes chlorine to form a
you can pay a private, accredited laboratory to test take steps to maintain water quality in their 3 Make sure your
longer-lasting disinfectant. 3) Sodium carbonate and
your tap water. For information about accredited building. More information: plumbing 140°
is
carbon dioxide replaced sodium hydroxide in 2022
labs, contact the Oregon Health Authority at portland.gov/water/WQBuilding working properly.
to further reduce the corrosion of metals such as lead.
ORELAP.Info@state.or.us or 503-693-4100.
Portland’s treatment is changing more in the coming In 2021, the Portland Water Bureau began
decade. Learn more starting on page 9. What causes temporarily discolored water? testing for Legionella throughout the city. In 4 Maintain building
Sediment and organic material from the Bull Run collaboration with our public health partners, water treatment
Is Portland’s water safe from viruses such as the we voluntarily began testing our drinking systems.
Watershed settle at the bottom of water mains. These
COVID-19 virus? water for Legionella. Legionella has not been
can sometimes be stirred up during hydrant use or
Yes, your water is safe from viruses and safe to drink. Portland a main break. They can also be seen in the fall as a detected in this routine testing. 5 Follow CDC Water
controls microorganisms, including viruses, with chlorine. harmless tea-colored tint. Discolored water can also be CDC
More information: Management Plan
caused by older pipes in buildings that add rust to the
Is Portland’s water filtered? portland.gov/water/legionella recommendations.
water. More information:
No. Neither of Portland’s sources is filtered. In response to portland.gov/water/DiscoloredWater
a series of low-level detections of Cryptosporidium in Bull
Run water in 2017, Portland is installing a filtration plant to How should property managers maintain
treat for Cryptosporidium. Bull Run water will be filtered by water quality in large buildings?
2027. Learn more on pages 10 and 11. Managers of large buildings should implement a What the EPA says can be found in drinking water
water management program to protect their water
Does the Portland Water Bureau add fluoride quality and address the risk of Legionella growth. This Across the United States, the sources of drinking Contaminants in drinking water sources may include
to the water? is especially important during the pandemic and as water (both tap water and bottled water) include microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and
No. Fluoride naturally occurs in Portland’s water at very buildings reopen. More information: rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, protozoa from wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such
low levels. You may want to ask your dentist or doctor portland.gov/water/WQBuilding and wells. As water travels over the surface of the as naturally occurring salts and metals; pesticides and
about supplemental fluoride for preventing tooth decay.
land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally herbicides, which may come from farming, urban stormwater
This is especially important for young children.
occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive runoff, or home and business use; organic chemical
material, and can pick up substances resulting from contaminants, such as byproducts from industrial processes
the presence of animals or from human activity. or the result of chlorine combining with naturally occurring
P O R T L A N D WAT E R B U R E A U
CUSTOMER GUIDE TO
Discolored water? organic matter; and radioactive contaminants, such as
Water Quality and Pressure
Low flow? In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, naturally occurring radon.
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
YOUR GUIDE TO:
Other water quality concerns? regulations that limit the amount of certain Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably
• The basics of water quality
contaminants in water provided by public be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
and pressure.
Start here for troubleshooting tips:
• Troubleshooting common
water quality and pressure
concerns.
• Plumbing and water heater
maintenance tips.
water systems and require monitoring for these contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not
• Lead in home plumbing and
how to reduce your exposure.
portland.gov/water/WQLine
• Water filters, backflow
prevention, emergency
water storage, and water
efficiency tips.
contaminants. Food and Drug Administration necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More
regulations establish limits for contaminants information about contaminants and potential health effects
Our Water Quality Line staff are also happy to assist you: in bottled water, which must provide the same can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water
WBWaterLine@PortlandOregon.gov protection for public health. Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at epa.gov/SafeWater.
1
503-823-7525
4 5
Contaminants detected in 2021 Definitions
Detected in Portland’s water EPA standard MCL: maximum contaminant level N/A: not applicable
Regulated contaminant Sources of contaminant The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking Some contaminants do not have a health-based level or goal defined by
Minimum Maximum MCL or TT MCLG water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the the EPA, or the MCL or MCLG does not apply to that result.
best available treatment technology.
Untreated source water NTU: nephelometric turbidity unit
MCLG: maximum contaminant level goal A unit for measuring the turbidity, or cloudiness, of a water sample.
Turbidity (NTU) 0.18 2.81 5 N/A Erosion of natural deposits The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which
there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow
ppm: parts per million
Fecal coliform bacteria
Not detected 0% 10% N/A Animal wastes for a margin of safety.
Water providers use ppm to describe a small amount of a substance within
(% >20 colonies/100 mL in 6 months) the water. In terms of time, one part per million is about 32 seconds out of
Giardia (#/L) Not detected 0.08 TT N/A Animal wastes MRDL: maximum residual disinfectant level one year.
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.
Treated drinking water ppb: parts per billion
There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is
Water providers use ppb to describe a very small amount of a substance
Metals and nutrients at the entry point necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
within the water. In terms of time, one part per billion is about 3 seconds
Arsenic (ppb)
Reducing exposure to lead
Improved corrosion control treatment
What to know about lead What you can do
The Portland Water Bureau cares about the health of the When your water has been sitting for several hours,
families in our community and is committed to helping such as overnight or while you are away at work Improved treatment started this spring
you reduce your exposure to lead. If present, lead at or school, you can minimize the potential for lead
elevated levels can cause serious health problems, exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 In April 2022, Portland began implementing our improved corrosion control
especially for pregnant people and young children. minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. treatment to reduce the levels of lead in drinking water for everyone. The
Infants and children who drink water containing lead in If you are concerned about lead in your drinking new treatment system, built at our existing Lusted Hill treatment facility, adds
excess of the action level could experience delays in their water, you can request a free lead-in-water test from two naturally occurring substances, sodium carbonate (soda ash) and carbon
physical or mental development. Children could show the LeadLine (leadline.org or 503-988-4000). dioxide, to our drinking water. These adjust the alkalinity to about 25 mg/L and
slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Information on lead in drinking water, testing increase the pH to at least 8.5. We are proud to bring this improved treatment
Adults who drink this water over many years could methods, and steps you can take to minimize online and better support the health of our community.
develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. exposure is available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water How we got here
Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and Hotline: 800-426-4791 or epa.gov/SafeWater/lead.
After detecting elevated levels of lead in higher risk homes in 2013, we
components associated with service lines and home
Additional steps to reduce exposure looked for additional ways to reduce lead that can enter the water from home
plumbing. The Portland Water Bureau is responsible for
or building plumbing. We determined that improving our drinking water
providing high-quality drinking water, but cannot control to lead from plumbing
treatment is the most effective way to reduce lead levels. In 2016, we agreed
the variety of materials used in plumbing components
• Run your water to flush the lead out with the Oregon Health Authority to install improved treatment and began
in homes or buildings. Lead is rarely found in Portland’s
construction in 2020. We found elevated levels of lead in these higher risk
source waters and there are no known lead service lines
• Use cold, fresh water for cooking, drinking, and homes again in fall 2021, highlighting the need for improved treatment to
in the water system. In Portland, lead enters drinking preparing baby formula protect public health. The improved corrosion control treatment facility began
water from the corrosion (wearing away) of household
treating our drinking water in April 2022.
plumbing materials containing lead. These materials • Do not boil water to remove lead
include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe— Progress in reducing lead levels at the tap
commonly used in homes built or plumbed between • Test your child’s blood for lead
Our team has been working to ramp up improved treatment to full operation. Two naturally occurring substances,
1970 and 1985—and brass components and faucets • Test your water for lead sodium carbonate (soda ash) and
We are making treatment changes in steps to allow our drinking water system
installed before 2014. carbon dioxide, are added to water in
• Consider using a filter certified to remove lead to adjust to the changes in water chemistry. Throughout these changes, the our upgraded treatment system.
In Portland, the most common sources of lead exposure treatment team is collecting water samples from around the city to track how
are lead-based paint, household dust, soil, and plumbing • Clean your faucet aerators every few months the improved treatment is affecting lead levels. These results are helping us
materials. Lead is also found in other household objects monitor the changes to the system and determine the correct treatment to
such as toys, cosmetics, pottery, and antique furniture. • Consider replacing pre-2014 faucets or fixtures reduce lead levels as much as possible.
Lead and copper testing results from homes with higher risk of lead in water
The Portland Water Bureau offers free lead-in-water tests to anyone in the service area. Twice each year, the
Portland Water Bureau also collects water samples from a group of over 100 homes that have lead solder and are
more likely to have higher levels of lead in water. Testing results from fall 2021 showed that more than 10 percent
of these homes had elevated levels of lead. Because these results exceeded the action level for lead, the Portland
Water Bureau informed customers about the lead results. We also completed construction and brought improved
corrosion treatment online to reduce lead levels at the tap. See page 9 for more information.
Detected in residential water taps EPA standard
Regulated
Homes exceeding Sources of contaminants
contaminant Fall 2021 results1 Action level2 MCLG3
action level2
Lead (ppb)3 21.0 14 out of 104 (13.5%) 15 0 Corrosion of household
and commercial building
Copper (ppm)3 0.238 0 out of 104 (0%) 1.3 1.3 plumbing systems
90th Percentile: 90 percent of the sample results were less than the values shown.
More information: portland.gov/BullRunProjects
1
2
Action level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or requirements of which a water system must follow.
3
See page 7 for definitions.
8 9
Monitoring for Cryptosporidium
Filtration treatment by 2027
Cryptosporidium is a potentially disease-causing and could lead to serious life-threatening illness.
microorganism that lives in virtually all freshwater Examples of people with weakened immune systems
ecosystems. Drinking water treatment for Cryptosporidium include those with AIDS, those with inherited
is required by state and federal regulations. For five years, diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer Project team hits important halfway milestone
the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) did not require the and transplant patients who are taking certain Since 2017, a team of Portland Water Bureau and consultant
Portland Water Bureau to treat for Cryptosporidium based immunosuppressive drugs. engineers have been working to plan for and design the new
on data showing that Cryptosporidium was rarely found water filtration facility. In 2020, the project team submitted
in the Bull Run Watershed. Since 2017, test results have The Environmental Protection Agency has
two years of testing data confirming the best way to filter our
shown low-level detections of Cryptosporidium primarily estimated that a small percentage of the population
water. They achieved a significant milestone this past year
during the rainy season. As a result, OHA determined that could experience gastrointestinal illness from
when they received OHA’s approval to design the filtration
treatment is now necessary. The Portland Water Bureau Cryptosporidium and advises that customers who
facility using the preferred treatment approach.
does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required are immunocompromised and receive their drinking
to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their Testing drinking water treatment options
working to install filtration by 2027 under a compliance health care professional about the safety of drinking
the tap water. The project team relied on science to help make sure the
schedule with OHA. In the meantime, the Portland
filtration process at the full-scale facility is designed for our
Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as
unique Bull Run water. To do this, they used a mini-filtration
watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect
facility to test how different treatment options work through
public health. Consultation with public health officials 2021 results of Cryptosporidium monitoring seasonal changes to our water. The testing ensures that
continues to conclude that the general public does not at the raw water intake treatment at the future water filtration facility will meet our
need to take any additional precautions.
public heath goals, including removing Cryptosporidium
Concentration detected
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, Number of samples from our drinking water.
(oocysts/L)
a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting,
Total Positive for
What’s next
fever, and stomach pain. People with healthy immune Minimum Maximum
systems recover without medical treatment. According tested Cryptosporidium The project is now at its halfway point and on track to begin
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), delivering filtered Bull Run water in 2027. The final design of
people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk 200 33 Not detected 0.12 the filtration facility will be complete by the end of 2022 and
for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.
More information: portland.gov/water/crypto
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 More information: portland.gov/BullRunProjects
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
10 11
1120 SW Fifth Avenue • Suite 405
Portland, Oregon 97204
Mingus Mapps, Commissioner-in-Charge
Gabriel Solmer, Director
Questions? We’re here to help.
Central information Water quality and pressure
For general information about projects, For questions regarding water quality or water pressure.
programs, and public meetings. 503-823-7525
503-823-7404 WBWaterLine@PortlandOregon.gov
Billing and financial assistance Water system emergencies
For questions or information about your account For reporting street leaks and water service problems.
or to apply for financial assistance. 503-823-4874
503-823-7770 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
PWBCustomerService@PortlandOregon.gov
portland.gov/water PortlandWaterBureau @PortlandWater
Additional drinking water information Regional Water Providers Consortium
Oregon Health Authority The Portland Water Bureau is a member of the
Drinking Water Services: 971-673-0405 Regional Water Providers Consortium. This
public.health.oregon.gov/ year, the Consortium and its members are
HealthyEnvironments/DrinkingWater celebrating 25 years of service. Find out more
about the Consortium and its work in water
Portland Water Bureau’s Water System ID: 4100657 conservation, emergency preparedness, and
regional coordination at regionalh2o.org.
This report and past reports are available at the website below.
Please contact us for translation, interpretation, or accommodations for people with disabilities.
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Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | 口笔译服务 | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या | Устный и письменный перевод
Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad | Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
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portland.gov/WaterQualityReport • 503-823-7525 (Relay Service: 711) Printed on recycled paper
06/2022
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