A "boil-water advisory" is a precautionary notice issued when a community's drinking water is or could be contaminated by disease-causing organisms. It is a preventative measure that is intended to protect the health of water consumers when there is an actual or significant possibility that contamination may be present within the drinking water system.  

The sources of drinking water (bot tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels it dissolves naturally-occuring minerals, and in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. 

The clean, reliable drinking water we all need is not possible without the infrastructure that delivers it. Over the past 15 years, EWEB has invested more then $37 million to updgrade and expand the Hayden Bridge Filtration Plant. We are not prioritizing strengthening base level storage and in-town transmission infrastructure throughout our service territory.

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.