Find answers to many common water quality questions.
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For in-home testing, TVWD residential customers can order a free lead-in water sampling kit provided through a program administered by the Portland Water Bureau. This kit includes information about reducing exposure to lead in drinking water.
For other in-home water quality concerns beyond lead, you will need to contact a local laboratory that provides testing services. They can assist with analyzing water quality issues specific to your home.
Water quality monitoring begins at TVWD’s sources (e.g., lakes, rivers, groundwater wells), where samples are collected to assess the overall quality of the water supply. Treated water is then supplied to TVWD’s system of pipes and storage tanks, where staff collect hundreds of water samples each month to test for bacteria and other regulated contaminants. Combined, this testing provides assurance that the water remains safe and high quality as it reaches your home. Visit our Water System Treatment and Monitoring page for more information about how TVWD keeps your water safe to drink.
The safety and quality of your drinking water is our top priority at TVWD. We source water from two primary suppliers: the Joint Water Commission (JWC) and Portland Water Bureau. Each employs distinct disinfection methods to eliminate harmful pathogens. Please visit our how is my water disinfected Web page for more information.
The treatment process for your drinking water depends on its source. Water from the Portland Water Bureau and the Joint Water Commission undergoes different treatment methods to confirm it meets all safety and quality standards. For more information, visit our Water System Treatment and Monitoring page.
At TVWD, we are dedicated to providing water that meets and is often better than state and federal regulatory standards. For most households, additional filtration is unnecessary. However, some customers may choose to use a filter based on personal preferences or specific concerns related to their home plumbing.
Improving Taste and Odor
If you’re looking to enhance the taste or odor of your water—especially to reduce the smell or taste associated with disinfectants—standard carbon filters are a practical and effective choice. These filters are commonly found in faucet-mounted systems, refrigerator dispensers, and countertop units.
Reducing Lead Levels
While the water delivered by TVWD is free of lead when it leaves our facilities, older homes with lead pipes or fixtures may introduce lead into the water. If you suspect this is an issue, consider filters certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. These certifications confirm the filter’s effectiveness in reducing lead levels.
Addressing Additional Impurities
For those interested in reducing substances like fluoride or other substances not removed by carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems may be a suitable option. These systems are designed to address a wider range of contaminants.
Our Commitment to Quality
At TVWD, we take pride in delivering safe, high-quality water. If you have questions about your water or want to learn what type of filter might suit a specific concern, we encourage you to contact us.
The hardness or softness of water is determined by its mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water contains higher levels of these minerals, while soft water has lower levels. These naturally occurring minerals not only influence water hardness but also affect other aspects of water chemistry, such as its taste and how it interacts with household plumbing and appliances.
For more information about water hardness, mineral content, and how these factors affect your water, visit our System Water Chemistry page.
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Lead is typically not present in the source waters that supply your drinking water. Trace amounts of lead can be attributed to the natural erosion of minerals and rocks within the watershed. Additionally, TVWD’s water system does not contain lead pipes, and the water treatment processes applied at the source do not introduce lead.
However, lead may still be present in your drinking water because of certain home plumbing materials. The most common source of lead in this context is lead solder, which was widely used prior to 1986 to connect copper pipes. Lead can leach into the water through contact with these materials.
TVWD conducts annual testing of high-risk homes as part of its compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule. While the majority of homes tested consistently have lead levels below the EPA’s action level, some homes with confirmed lead solder in their plumbing have exceeded this threshold.
For current lead testing results, more information about reducing lead exposure, or to request a kit to test your home for lead, visit our Lead Reduction page.
Legionella is a type of bacteria found in water that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia. It thrives in warm, stagnant water, particularly in large buildings with complex plumbing systems, such as those in schools, hospitals, office buildings, and apartment complexes. These systems, often characterized by extensive pipe networks and areas of low water flow, can create conditions that support Legionella growth.
In smaller residential properties, such as single-family homes, the risk is generally much lower due to simpler plumbing systems and more frequent water usage.
In larger buildings maintaining water quality is crucial. Building managers can take steps to reduce the risk of Legionella, including flushing unused water lines, maintaining appropriate water temperatures, and routinely inspecting and cleaning water systems.
For more information, visit our Prevention of Legionella page.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s due to their resistance to water, heat, and grease. These chemicals can migrate into soil, water, and air during production and use, and are known for breaking down extremely slowly, leading to long-term environmental persistence.
TVWD last tested for PFAS in April 2024, and no PFAS were detected in our water. For more details, visit our PFAS and Your Drinking Water page.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. 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 or 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. Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of cryptosporidiosis to local health departments within one working day of identification.
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Temporary changes to the smell or taste of your water can be caused by several reasons. For more information, visit our why does my water sometimes taste or smell different web page.
Pink film (or slime) in sinks, toilets, and showers is caused by airborne bacteria, commonly Serratia marcescens, thriving in moist, humid environments. The bacteria commonly form small colonies, also called “biofilms” which appear in sink drains, create rings around toilet bowls, and may also be visible on surfaces in a shower. It is not related to water quality. Regular cleaning with chlorine-based products, reducing moisture, and improving ventilation can help prevent its occurrence. For additional information visit our Common Surface Residues page.
Discolored drinking water can occur for several reasons, and while it may be unpleasant, it is not necessarily unsafe. Common causes include issues with home plumbing, routine water system maintenance, or nearby activity such as fire hydrant use. Discolored water is often described as yellow, brown, or rust-colored. Discoloration can also be associated with the water source due to seasonal changes. For more information about the potential causes of water discoloration, visit our Discolored Water: Causes and Solutions page.
Low water flow or pressure can result from several factors, both within your home and the broader water system. The most common causes include:
- Clogged Faucet Screens: Particles or sediment can accumulate in aerators or faucet screens, restricting water flow.
- Home Plumbing Issues: Older or corroded pipes in your home’s plumbing can also contribute to reduced water flow.
- Pipe Leaks or Breaks: Leaks or breaks in pipes, whether in your home or within TVWD’s water system, can reduce water pressure.
- System Maintenance or Repairs: Scheduled maintenance, repairs, or flushing activities in your area may temporarily affect water pressure.
If you experience sudden or persistent low water flow or pressure, check faucet screens for debris and inspect visible pipes for leaks. If the issue persists, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 for assistance.
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TVWD fluoridates the District's main service area of Cooper Mountain, Aloha, Cedar Mill, and the West Hills as a result of a customer vote in 1963. TVWD’s Metzger service area is not fluoridated as Metzger customers never voted to fluoridate their water when we merged. Customers voted to fluoridate the water to help prevent cavities and other dental related diseases. Visit our Fluoride page for more information.