Water Quality in Portland, OR

Portland's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 15 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Portland Water Bureau · Source: Bull Run Watershed · Serves 652,503 residents

15
Hardness (PPM)
28
TDS (PPM)
0.8
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
15 PPM 0 400 Soft
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 15 PPM TDS 28 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 0.8 mg/L Nitrate 0.5 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Portland Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Lead in older homesOtherwise very clean source

What Portland's Water Means for Your Home

Portland's water is soft at 15 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Portland, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Portland's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.8 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)15 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids28 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.8 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate0.5 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Portland's Water Supply

Water Utility: Portland Water Bureau

Water Source: Bull Run Watershed

Population Served: 652,503

Hardness: 15 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Portland Water Bureau. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Portland to Other Oregon Cities

Eugene

27 PPM · Slightly Hard

Salem

14 PPM · Soft

Beaverton

24 PPM · Slightly Hard

Bend

17 PPM · Slightly Hard

Medford

28 PPM · Slightly Hard

Corvallis

27 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Water

Is Portland tap water safe to drink?
Portland's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Portland?
No. At 15 PPM, Portland's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for Portland?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Portland's water come from?
Portland's drinking water is sourced from Bull Run Watershed and treated by Portland Water Bureau.
What is the hardness of Portland water in grains per gallon?
Portland's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 15 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as soft. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Portland water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Portland's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Portland water safe for babies and infants?
Portland's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Portland Water Bureau Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.