Portland’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report Shows Top Marks - 06/01/26
The Portland Water Bureau continues to deliver clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers, according to our annual water quality report. And here’s how we know: In addition to continuous water quality monitoring at key locations, our water quality lab conducted almost 40,000 tests in 2025 to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to people’s taps.
Every year, the Portland Water Bureau issues the Drinking Water Quality Report to explain what’s in your drinking water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing to your tap.
"This report is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a testament to our commitment to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water,” said Director of Public Utilities Dr. Ting Lu. “I am grateful for our dedicated professionals who work around the clock to manage and maintain our system.”
Read the online report to:
- Learn about your drinking water and our work to keep it safe
- Get answers to common drinking water quality questions
- Learn how the Bull Run Filtration Project will keep our drinking water safe into the future
How to read the report
As early as Tuesday, June 2, Portlanders will receive a flyer in the mail with an easy-to-scan QR code and web address that will take them to the full Portland Water Bureau 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report on the City of Portland website.
The report is accessible for people who use screen readers and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You can request a paper copy online or by phone at 503-823-9444. To request translations in additional languages or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 503-823-7525 (Relay: 711). Interpretation services available.
Public health is our top priority
Portland’s drinking water is safe today and for generations to come. This starts at our two high-quality sources, which are the two largest drinking water sources in the state: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Water Bureau staff treat the water and test it from many locations around our water system, including our water sources, our treatment facilities, and around town.
This report includes test results for all known health-related contaminants detected in 2025. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water. We are proud to share that this includes PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have not been detected in our drinking water.
The report also makes it easy for you to get updates on our excellent water sources, wise water system investments, and your drinking water.
Questions? Email WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.
Investing to maintain public health and reliable service
We are building a new filtration facility to protect public health and comply with federal and state drinking water regulations. When complete, the Bull Run filtration facility will remove Cryptosporidium, sediment, and organic matter, while also reducing disinfection byproducts and ensuring our water system remains resilient against earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. A project this size takes multiple years to build, which is why crews are working six days a week to have these water system improvements in place by September 2029.
“The Bull Run Filtration Project is a transformative investment in public health and long-term resilience for generations to come,” said Director Lu. “We remain fully committed to moving forward with the highest levels of accountability and transparency to finish this project strong. I encourage everyone to check out our ongoing construction status and reach out if you have any questions.”
About the Portland Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost one million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.
About the Public Works Service Area
The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.
The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.
503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation
Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या
口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad
Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas