Is Tigard, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Tigard tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 20 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Tigard Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Tigard Compares
Tigard's water is 86% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 92% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Oregon, it ranks #29 of 48 cities (20% below the state average of 25 PPM). Among cities (50k-100k), Tigard ranks #242 of 258 for hardness.
What Tigard's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 20 PPM - Low Concern
Tigard's water is slightly hard at 20 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. Tigard is softer than 92% of US cities. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Disinfection byproducts are the notable finding here. Tigard's water has TTHMs at 10.6 ppb and HAA5 at 5.68 ppb — both within legal limits, but the EWG health guidelines are far stricter. These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter during treatment. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and its byproducts. Want the full picture? Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
What's in the Treatment Process
Tigard's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 10.6 ppb (13% of the legal limit, but 71x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 5.68 ppb (9% of the legal limit, but 57x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.045 ppb, which is 2.3x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 20 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 35 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 0.9 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 0.353 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for Tigard 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.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.1 mg/L chlorine, many Tigard residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Tigard
City-wide data is a solid starting point, but your specific tap might differ based on plumbing age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal changes.
Free option: Request City of Tigard Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
📊 Already Tested Your Water?
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About Tigard's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Tigard Water
Water Source: Clackamas River via Lake Oswego-Tigard partnership (Surface Water)
Population Served: 62,500
Hardness: 20 PPM (1.2 grains per gallon)
Tigard's drinking water comes from surface sources — Clackamas River via Lake Oswego-Tigard partnership. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 63,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Tigard Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of Tigard Water in Tigard, OR, including ZIP codes:
97223
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Tigard to Other Oregon Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Tigard Water
Is Tigard tap water safe to drink?
Where does Tigard's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Tigard?
What are disinfection byproducts in Tigard's water?
Is chromium-6 in Tigard's water?
Why does Tigard water taste like chlorine?
Can I drink Tigard tap water straight from the faucet?
What water filter is best for Tigard?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Tigard Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 20 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Tigard's water data.