C56/100
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 666,200 people · Oregon
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
OR4100657
Violations
17
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.80 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Frequently Asked Questions About PORTLAND WATER BUREAU
Is PORTLAND WATER BUREAU water safe to drink?
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 17 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has PORTLAND WATER BUREAU detected?
77 contaminants were tested in PORTLAND WATER BUREAU's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does PORTLAND WATER BUREAU have any EPA violations?
Yes, PORTLAND WATER BUREAU has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MON, TT, MCL. 4 are health-based violations.
How many people does PORTLAND WATER BUREAU serve?
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU serves approximately 666,200 people, Oregon.
What type of water does PORTLAND WATER BUREAU provide?
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is OR4100657.
How does PORTLAND WATER BUREAU compare to other utilities in Oregon?
PORTLAND WATER BUREAU scores 56/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our Oregon state page for a full comparison of water systems.