FAQs

The Portland Water District invests millions of dollars annually to replace old water pipes and upgrade infrastructure, but unfortunately, water mains still break. This presents a potential pathway for contaminants to enter the drinking water system. Fortunately, there are ways to limit this from happening. When a break in a pipe occurs, water pressure inside…

In the case of any emergency water advisory, updates will be provided at www.pwd.org and on our Facebook page and through frequent media contact.

Consumers should flush water pipes within the home. Some types of water treatment devices may need to be disinfected and flushed to remove any contaminated water before being used. Depending on the type of water treatment device, the device may need to be replaced. Check with the manufacturer for details. Drinking Water Lines Flushing Fact…

Each boil order situation is different, making it impossible to predict how long the boil order will remain in effect. It will not be lifted until testing shows that the water meets public health standards. Boil water advisories or boil water orders are lifted when the water is considered safe and no longer poses a…

There is nothing you can do about possible exposure you have already received. Most people who drink this water will not get sick. If you become ill, contact your health care provider. Follow the above recommendations about using your water until you are told the water is safe again.

Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and possible jaundice and associated headaches and fatigue. Symptoms may appear as early as a few hours to several days after infection and may last more than two weeks. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water; they may also be caused by…

Drinking No Ice Cubes No. See below for information. Brushing Teeth No Baby’s Formula No Washing Fruit/Vegetables No Preparing Food No Coffee, Tea, Lemonade No. See below for information on soda dispensers and coffee makers. Laundry Yes Watering Grass or Garden Yes Washing Hands See below Showers or Baths See below Washing Dishes See below…

Buying bottled water may be a feasible alternative to boiling water. 

If the device is designed to improve the taste and odor or chemical quality of the water, such as activated carbon filters, it is still necessary to boil the water. Check with the manufacturer if you are not certain.

Water should be placed in a heat-resistant container and brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill all disease-causing organisms.

During boil water advisories or boil water orders, you should boil all water used for drinking, preparing food, beverages, ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth. It is not necessary to boil tap water used for other household purposes, such as showering, laundry, or bathing. Adults, teens, and older children can wash, bathe,…

Boiling the water is the best way to ensure that it is free of illness-causing organisms. Bring water to a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute. When it cools, refrigerate the water in clean containers. (A pinch of salt per quart may improve the rather flat taste of boiled water). If you do…

Anyone who ingests contaminated water may become ill. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems are more at risk of illness.

A boil order has been issued to your water system because either recent testing has shown the presence of organisms that could cause illness (e.g. fecal or E. coli bacteria), or technical/physical problems in the water system have significantly increased the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Food Service Guidance Contact your local health department for guidance.