We work hard to make sure that high-quality drinking water flows from your tap. But sometimes the plumbing and fixtures in your home can affect the taste, odor or color of your water.

We monitor the McKenzie Watershed for cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) throughout the spring and summer to make sure your drinking water is safe. When we spot a bloom in Cougar Reservoir or Blue River Reservoir, we immediately begin sampling for cyanotoxins.

On March 14, 2023, EPA announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS contaminants.  “PFAS,” are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS have characteristics that make them useful in a variety of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, and firefighting foam.  PFAS tend to break down extremely slowly in the environment and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.

We want to assure our customers that the drinking water delivered to your homes and businesses is safe and healthy.  We have been monitoring for PFAS since 2013 and our results show that PFAS are not detected in our drinking water.

Lead in the environment

There are many sources of lead in the environment, including dust, soil, air, food and water as well as residues from the discontinued use of leaded paint and leaded gasoline.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides simple steps that you can take to lower your chances of exposure to lead.

Lead in drinking water

Public health is our highest priority.  We care about the health of the families that drink our water and we want to help limit your exposure to lead in drinking water.  The main source of lead in water in the Eugene area is old household plumbing. Lead solder was commonly used in homes built or plumbed with copper pipes before 1986.  Lead also can be found in brass faucets and fixtures installed prior to 2014.

Our technicians as well as independent laboratories collect and test more than 85,000 samples from source to tap each year.  EWEB is proud to say that we have never violated a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard established by EPA.

Check out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our water.