Frequently asked questions about water quality
Beginning high in the Cascades, mountain springs and melting snow combine to create the McKenzie River.
At Hayden Bridge, EWEB pumps water from the McKenzie River to the filtration plant. After the water goes
through a full treatment process, the water goes through the distribution system and to your tap.
Chlorine is added to kill any bacteria, viruses and some protozoans that may be present. Federal law
requires a trace of chlorine in the water to ensure its purity as it travels from the filtration plant
to your tap. You can remove the chlorine by setting a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Chlorine is a
dissolved gas and will dissipate into the air quickly.
The hardness of water is determined by the mineral content. EWEB's water is considered very soft,
but contains small amounts of some minerals.
To ensure that the treatment process provides the highest quality water, more that 85,000 tests and
checks are done each year by EWEB technicians and independent laboratories. The results prove that EWEB's water
quality is much better than required compared to standards set by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency and the Oregon Health Division.
