At TVWD, the quality and safety of your water is our top priority. Together with the Portland Water Bureau and the Joint Water Commission (JWC), we rigorously test your water supply for approximately 200 contaminants, including those regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as various unregulated constituents.
Sampling is conducted at various locations, including the JWC water treatment plant, the Portland Water Bureau’s facilities, and throughout the TVWD water system. In other words, your water is monitored at every stage before it reaches your tap.
How the Testing Process Works
- Sample Collection and Transport:
Samples are collected and carefully chilled to preserve their integrity before being sent to certified drinking water testing laboratories. TVWD exclusively works with laboratories approved by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program to meet strict drinking water standards. - Testing and Reporting:
Test results are submitted by both the laboratory and TVWD directly to the Oregon Health Authority’s Drinking Water Services. Results are analyzed to confirm compliance with all federal and state regulations. - Annual Reporting to Customers:
Each year, TVWD provides an Annual Water Quality Report summarizing the water quality testing results from the previous year.
Test results are submitted by both the laboratory and TVWD directly to the Oregon Health Authority’s Drinking Water Services. Results are analyzed to confirm compliance with all federal and state regulations.
For information about other characteristics and test results including water hardness, mineral content, and how these factors affect your water, visit our System Water Chemistry page.
What Happens If a Sample Falls Outside the Acceptable Range?
If a sample result falls outside the acceptable range, TVWD will immediately re-sample and investigate. In the rare event that the follow-up test confirms the anomaly, corrective actions are taken to address the problem. This may include actions by TVWD or, when necessary, by the Portland Water Bureau or JWC as the water suppliers. We also collaborate with the Oregon Health Authority and follow all required public notification procedures to keep you informed.
Through consistent monitoring and rigorous testing, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality water you can trust every time you turn on your tap.