Monitoring Issues SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

PFAS Detected in Portland School District (OR)

59 ZIP codes · 17 water systems · 38,031,424 people served · Updated 2026-06-04

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-04

B · 81
Avg Safety Score
59
ZIP Codes
17
Water Systems
118
Violations (5yr)
0.0049 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
3
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Portland School District in Oregon spans 59 ZIP codes served by 17 community water systems, providing water to approximately 38,031,424 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (81/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 72/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 77% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0049 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0049 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 59 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 3 of 59 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFOS.

Highest measured level: 0.007 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

118 monitoring/reporting violations recorded. These are procedural violations (missed tests or late reports), not necessarily water safety issues.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 59 No 59
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 59 No 59

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
97201 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97202 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97203 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97204 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97205 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97206 Portland A (94) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97207 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97208 Portland A (94) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97209 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97210 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97211 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97212 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97213 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97214 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97215 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97216 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97217 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97218 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97219 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97220 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97221 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97222 Portland B (84) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97223 Portland B (72) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97224 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97225 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97227 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97228 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97229 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97230 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97231 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97232 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97233 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97236 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97238 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97239 Portland B (77) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97240 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97242 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97250 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97252 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97256 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97258 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97266 Portland B (72) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97267 Portland B (84) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97268 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97269 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97272 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97280 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97281 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97282 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97283 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97286 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97290 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97291 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97292 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97293 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97294 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97296 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97298 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No
97299 Portland B (82) 2 0 0.00489 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Portland School District schools?

Based on EPA data, water systems serving Portland School District have no health-based violations in the past 5 years. However, school buildings with older plumbing may still have localized issues. Testing at the tap (not just at the treatment plant) is important.

Does Portland School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Portland School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 3 of 59 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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