Milwaukie's Drinking Water Falls Well Below Federal and State Limits for Lead

Concerns have been raised lately, both nationally and regionally, about lead in drinking water. For Milwaukie water customers, there is no trace of lead in the source water that makes up the city's drinking water. 

Lead in drinking water primarily comes from the piping and plumbing fixtures that contain lead solder or brass compounds.  These pipes are usually private property system-owned and maintained by homeowner located in homes. Water that is aggressive (pH between 4 to 7) can cause this lead to leach from the piping and fixtures.

The city conducts lead testing every three years to determine if the water is causing lead to leach out of privately-owned building plumbing, fixtures, and lead soldered piping.  The last round of sampling in 2019 reported non-detectable (ND) levels of lead and copper. Moreover, the previous 100+ lead and copper samples collected from all corners of Milwaukie have resulted in NDs for lead and copper.

The city will conduct another round of lead and copper sampling as required by the state.  For more information about lead and drinking water, visit the REGIONAL WATER PROVIDERS CONSORTIUM.

For more information about the quality of Milwaukie's drinking water, contact Jamie Clark, water treatment operator, at 503.786.7622 or waterquality@milwaukieoregon.gov.