Yes you read that right, you can actually get something for free!

If you are concerned that your tap water might contain lead and you don’t want to end up the same way as the Romans – Contact the Portland Water Bureau through this link and get a free testing kit mailed to your home. Whilst most residents have absolutely nothing to worry about, if you have any worries, it is certainly better to be safe than sorry.

In 2016, the Portland Water Bureau began a comprehensive program to test the city’s drinking water for lead. This was in response to concerns about the potential for lead contamination in the city’s water supply. The testing program is designed to monitor the level of lead in the water and to identify any potential sources of contamination.

The testing program involves taking samples of water from different locations in the city, including homes, schools, and businesses. The samples are tested for lead content, and the results are used to identify any areas where lead levels are higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action level of 15 parts per billion.

If lead levels are found to be above the EPA’s action level, the Portland Water Bureau takes action to reduce the level of lead in the water. This may involve adding corrosion control measures to the water supply or replacing lead service lines in homes.

The Portland Water Bureau also provides information and resources to help residents protect themselves from lead exposure. This includes information on how to test for lead in drinking water, how to reduce lead exposure in the home, and how to identify sources of lead contamination.

Overall, the Portland Water Bureau’s testing program for lead is part of a comprehensive effort to ensure that the city’s drinking water is safe and free from harmful contaminants.