Portland, Oregon Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Portland Water Bureau
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
Notable Concerns
Portland tap water has 6 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Additionally, 8 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 30.60 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 24.30 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 22.50 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Arsenic carcinogen | 0.46 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.04 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chlorate | 317.50 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Barium | 5.05 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Cyanide | 1.75 ppb | N/A | 200 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.07 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 17.30 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 0.09 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Below guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 0.09 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Below guideline |
| Nitrite carcinogen | 0.00 ppm | N/A | 1 ppm | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.03 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.76 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Arsenic carcinogen
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.
Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Portland tap water safe to drink?
Portland tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 6 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 8 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Portland water?
A total of 15 contaminants were detected in Portland tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Of these, 6 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Portland?
For Portland tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Portland get its water?
Portland tap water is provided by Portland Water Bureau, serving approximately 666,200 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
