Water quality issues have been in the news over the past few years. A 2024 study found that of water quality issues, lead is still the top concern. The good news is that water sources in the Portland metro area rarely contain lead. Our region’s drinking water continues to meet or exceed federal and state drinking water standards. This is in part because water providers have not used lead service lines (pipes) in their water distribution systems.

The main source of lead in drinking water is from household plumbing, usually lead solder.  It’s most common in homes built or plumbed with copper pipes before 1985. After that, lead was banned for use in household plumbing construction. Lead is also found in some brass plumbing fixtures and components. 

Water providers must test for lead regularly, as required by law. They also use water treatment to reduce lead exposure by managing corrosion in pipes. In the Portland metro area, lead-based paint is the most common source of lead exposure, not water.  

If you are concerned about lead levels in your drinking water, contact your water provider. Use this tool to find your water provider. 

Here are some things you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water:

• Run your water to flush out lead. If you haven’t used your water for several hours, run the water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Once it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature, use it for drinking or cooking.
• Use cold, fresh water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not use water from the hot tap to cook, drink, or make baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
• Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Consider using a filter. Find a filter that reduces lead. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and replacement. Contact NSF International at (800) NSF-8010 or visit www.nsf.org for information on filters.
• Test your child for lead. Ask your doctor or call the LeadLine at 503-988-4000 to find out how to have your child tested for lead. A blood lead level test is the only way to know if your child is being exposed to lead.
• Buy low-lead fixtures. All pipes, fittings, and fixtures must contain less than 0.25% lead due to the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. When buying new fixtures, look for those with the lowest lead content. Visit www.nsf.org to learn more about lead content in plumbing fixtures.
• Clean your faucet aerator. Particles containing lead can become trapped in your faucet aerator. Cleaning every few months will remove these particles and reduce your lead exposure.