This winter and spring I have noticed a stronger chlorine taste to my water, is Portland Water District adding more chlorine?

During the winter and spring months, PWD adds less disinfectant to the water. That’s right, less! During colder months, the water temperature is also colder, so chloramine (chlorine compound) lasts longer as water travels through the water distribution system. So, depending on where you live, you may experience a slight chlorine taste in winter and spring compared to summer and fall.

Samples are taken weekly throughout the distribution system to ensure disinfection levels remain within the target range to provide safe water, between 0.5 mg/L and < 4.0 mg/L.

Adding disinfectant and maintaining a residual amount throughout the network of pipes is critical to provide protection against bacterial contamination and protect public health.