In current tracking cycles, Portland records above-average water quality outcomes for OR; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.

Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19

Water Quality in Portland

We track water quality and home safety data for 59 ZIP codes in Portland, Oregon, covering 17 community water systems serving approximately 929,296 people.

59 of 59 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 118 total, including no health-based violations.

Average Home Safety Score: B (81/100)

Water sources: Groundwater, Surface water.

Top Contaminants

Lead Risk

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0049 mg/L
• 65% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
• 29% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
• Median year built: 1965
• Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
• Lead exposure risk score: 53/100
• Estimated lead service line probability: 20%
• 28 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk

With 65% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Portland residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.

Housing Age Distribution

420,736 total housing units across 59 ZIP codes:

Flood Risk

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Portland:

• 654 flood insurance claims on record
• $11,570,394 total paid out
• $17,692 average claim payout
• Dominant FEMA flood zone: X (Low risk)
• 13 of 59 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)

Radon Risk

Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

• Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
• Zone 2 (Moderate): 55 ZIP codes
• Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Neighborhoods by Safety Score

Safest Areas

Areas Needing Attention

What Portland Residents Can Do

Test Your Water

• Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
• Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
• Check your ZIP code - each area in Portland has different water systems and risk levels

Filter Your Water

• NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
• NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
• Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)

Test for Radon

• Portland is in a moderate-risk radon area
• Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
• If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation

Stay Informed

• Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
• Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
• Review the annual water quality report from your local utility

All ZIP Codes in Portland

• 97201 [B] - 2 violations
• 97202 [B] - 2 violations
• 97203 [B] - 2 violations
• 97204 [B] - 2 violations
• 97205 [B] - 2 violations
• 97206 [A] - 2 violations
• 97207 [B] - 2 violations
• 97208 [A] - 2 violations
• 97209 [B] - 2 violations
• 97210 [B] - 2 violations
• 97211 [B] - 2 violations
• 97212 [B] - 2 violations
• 97213 [B] - 2 violations
• 97214 [B] - 2 violations
• 97215 [B] - 2 violations
• 97216 [B] - 2 violations
• 97217 [B] - 2 violations
• 97218 [B] - 2 violations
• 97219 [B] - 2 violations
• 97220 [B] - 2 violations
• 97221 [B] - 2 violations
• 97222 [B] - 2 violations
• 97223 [B] - 2 violations
• 97224 [B] - 2 violations
• 97225 [B] - 2 violations
• 97227 [B] - 2 violations
• 97228 [B] - 2 violations
• 97229 [B] - 2 violations
• 97230 [B] - 2 violations
• 97231 [B] - 2 violations
• 97232 [B] - 2 violations
• 97233 [B] - 2 violations
• 97236 [B] - 2 violations
• 97238 [B] - 2 violations
• 97239 [B] - 2 violations
• 97240 [B] - 2 violations
• 97242 [B] - 2 violations
• 97250 [B] - 2 violations
• 97252 [B] - 2 violations
• 97256 [B] - 2 violations
• 97258 [B] - 2 violations
• 97266 [B] - 2 violations
• 97267 [B] - 2 violations
• 97268 [B] - 2 violations
• 97269 [B] - 2 violations
• 97272 [B] - 2 violations
• 97280 [B] - 2 violations
• 97281 [B] - 2 violations
• 97282 [B] - 2 violations
• 97283 [B] - 2 violations
• 97286 [B] - 2 violations
• 97290 [B] - 2 violations
• 97291 [B] - 2 violations
• 97292 [B] - 2 violations
• 97293 [B] - 2 violations
• 97294 [B] - 2 violations
• 97296 [B] - 2 violations
• 97298 [B] - 2 violations
• 97299 [B] - 2 violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water safe to drink in Portland, OR?

Portland has an average Home Safety Score of 81/100 (grade B) across 59 ZIP codes. There are 118 recorded EPA violations, 0 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.

Does Portland have lead in the water?

The average 90th-percentile lead level across Portland is 0.0049 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 65% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.

Is Portland at risk for flooding?

FEMA data shows 654 flood insurance claims in Portland ZIP codes, with an average payout of $17,692. 13 of 59 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).

Are there lead pipes in Portland homes?

65% of Portland housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 29% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 20%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.

What contaminants have been found in Portland water?

The most common contaminants by violation count are Surface Water Treatment Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule. Across 59 ZIP codes, 59 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.

Data Sources

• Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
• Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
• Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
• Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.

Housing Age Profile

Lead solder was federally prohibited in new plumbing in 1986. In Portland, the median build year of 1965 puts a majority of homes in the lower-risk category for that specific contamination pathway - though the pre-1986 share shown above still carries real exposure potential at the individual household level.

1965

Median Year Built

0%

Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)

0%

Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)

Most homes in Portland were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.

Portland: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

0.0049

mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Lead risk in Portland appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Portland: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Portland has accumulated 654 claims - a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 0% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.

654

Total FEMA Flood Claims

~33

Est. Claims/Year

Portland has a moderate flood history with 654 FEMA claims. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.

How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure.

Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones - over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.

Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.