Clean, safe water is something many of us in Happy Valley take for granted. But did you know that the water coming out of your tap is subject to constant testing, regulation, and oversight? The 2025 Portland Water Quality Report is out—and if you live in Happy Valley or anywhere in Clackamas County, it’s worth paying attention to.
As your local plumbing experts in Happy Valley, Einstein Pros is here to break down the key takeaways from this year’s report and what they mean for your health, your plumbing system, and your wallet.
🚰 Where Happy Valley Gets Its Water
Happy Valley is served by the Portland Water Bureau, which supplies drinking water to over a million residents in the region. Most of the water comes from the Bull Run Watershed, a protected area in the Mt. Hood National Forest. This source is known for its exceptionally clean surface water, requiring minimal treatment.
According to the 2025 Portland Water Quality Report, the Bull Run water consistently meets or exceeds all EPA standards for contaminants, including:
- Microbial contaminants (e.g., bacteria and viruses)
- Inorganic contaminants (e.g., lead, copper, nitrates)
- Organic chemical contaminants
- Disinfection byproducts
🧪 Key Findings for 2025
Here are the most important things Happy Valley homeowners should be aware of in the 2025 report:
1. Lead Is Still a Concern in Older Plumbing
While Portland’s source water is lead-free, the potential for lead exposure comes from older plumbing systems—especially those built before 1985. Lead can leach into the water from:
- Lead service lines
- Brass fixtures
- Soldered copper pipes
The Water Bureau routinely tests homes known to be at risk. In 2025, 9 out of 10 tested homes remained within the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), but a small percentage exceeded this level—mainly in homes with aging pipes.
What you can do: If you live in an older home, consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection. Einstein Pros Happy Valley can test your water for lead and recommend repiping services or lead-free fixture upgrades if needed.
2. Chlorine Levels Are Stable—But You Might Notice the Taste
Chlorine is used to disinfect Portland’s drinking water. In 2025, chlorine residuals remained well within safe limits (average of 1.8 ppm). While it’s essential for water safety, some residents report a strong chlorine taste or smell in tap water.
This can often be resolved with a whole-house water filtration system, which can also protect your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Explore our Happy Valley water filtration services »
3. Low Levels of Cryptosporidium Detected Again
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Low levels of this organism were again detected in the Bull Run supply during testing in early 2025. However, the Portland Water Bureau is not required to treat for it due to the overall high quality of the water source.
Vulnerable populations—such as immunocompromised individuals—may want to use a home water treatment system that removes Cryptosporidium.
4. Water Hardness Remains Low in Happy Valley
Water hardness refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium. Portland’s water is naturally soft (1–3 grains per gallon), which is good news for:
- Your plumbing: Less mineral buildup means longer-lasting pipes.
- Your appliances: Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines work more efficiently.
However, soft water can corrode older pipes, especially galvanized steel. If you’re noticing metallic tastes, low water pressure, or discolored water, you may need a pipe replacement or plumbing upgrade.
Learn more about pipe replacement in Happy Valley »
🏠 What This Means for Your Plumbing
The 2025 Water Quality Report proves that Happy Valley continues to enjoy clean, safe drinking water, but it also highlights the important role your home’s plumbing plays in maintaining that safety. Issues like lead exposure, poor taste, or corroded pipes often start inside the home—not at the water source.
🛠️ How Einstein Pros Can Help
At Einstein Pros Happy Valley, we help homeowners:
- Test for lead and other contaminants
- Install and maintain water filtration systems
- Replace aging or corroded pipes
- Improve water quality and taste at the tap
We also offer routine plumbing inspections, which can help you identify and prevent costly problems before they arise.
✅ Take Action Now
If you haven’t had your plumbing inspected in the last few years—or if you live in an older Happy Valley home—it’s time to act. A simple inspection or filter upgrade can make a big difference for your family’s health and peace of mind.
📞 Call Einstein Pros Happy Valley at (888) 671-7767
Or schedule an appointment online »