My Water FAQs
Find answers to many common water quality questions.
How is my water treated?
Water is treated differently depending on if we get it from the Portland Water Bureau or the Joint Water Commission. Visit our Water System and Sources page for more information.
Category: Water Quality
What is the pink film in the bathroom sink/toilet?
A pink film or residue on bathroom and kitchen surfaces does not indicate a problem with water quality. It is likely the result of airborne bacteria found in moist areas around the home such as toilet bowls, shower heads, sink drains, tiles and, pet bowls. The bacteria that causes this pink film is most likely Serratia Marcesens, which is found naturally in soil, food, and on animals, though other bacterium can cause similar residues. Visit our Pink Film page for more information.
Category: Water Quality
Why does my water sometimes look discolored?
There are a few possible causes of discolored drinking water. It is important to know that during these occasions your water is safe to drink and continues to meet all State and Federal drinking water standards for public health.
Visit our Discolored Water page for possible causes of discolored water.
Category: Water Quality
Why does my water sometimes smell or taste different?
Some people are more sensitive to tastes and odors than others and this may affect how they perceive their water quality. Visit our Taste and Odor page for possible reasons your water may taste or smell different than you are used to.
Category: Water Quality
Is my water soft or hard?
TVWD purchases water from two different wholesale sources, each with slightly different characteristics of hardness or softness of water. Depending on time of year and other seasonal conditions, customers may receive water from either source or a blend of both sources. Visit our Water Hardness/Softness page to learn more.
Category: Water Quality
What is PFAS? Is it in my water?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that have been used in various industry and consumer products since the 1940s. During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air and break down at extremely slow rates. TVWD most recently tested our water for PFAS in July 2023 and none were detected. Visit our PFAS and Your Drinking Water page for more information.
Category: Water Quality
What is legionella and how can I prevent it?
Water sitting in pipes for long periods of time can create water quality challenges that could result in legionella. There are many steps building managers can take to protect water quality and reduce the risk of legionella growth. Visit our Prevention of Legionella page for more information.
Category: Water Quality
Is there lead in my water?
Lead is generally not found in the source waters that supply your drinking water, nor is it introduced through the treatment processes TVWD uses to keep your water safe. However, when the drinking water distributed by TVWD comes into contact with plumbing materials that contain lead, a small amount of that lead may dissolve into the water. The most common source of lead in TVWD's system is lead solder, which was used prior to 1986 to connect copper pipes.
TVWD tests at-risk homes for lead annually, and since the early nineties, the District's results have consistently been below the EPA's action level for lead. Visit our Lead Reduction page for more information.
Category: Water Quality
How does lead get in drinking water?
The main source of lead in water in the region are from lead solder used to join copper pipes and brass plumbing fixtures and components. Lead solder was commonly used in homes built or plumbed with copper prior to 1986. When water sits for several hours in a plumbing systems containing lead it lead may dissolve into the water.
Category: Water Quality
Does TVWD fluoridate my water? If so, why?
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.
Category: Water Quality
Can you test my water?
Each month, Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) collects water samples from hundreds of monitoring sites at the source and within the distribution system.
As a wholesale customer of the Portland Water Bureau, TVWD residential customers can order a free, in-home water sample kit that includes additional information about reducing exposure to lead. To request a free kit:
Category: Water Quality
Why is my water pressure low?
The most common causes of low water pressure are particles trapped in faucet screens or pipe leaks/breaks within the water system.
Category: Water Quality
