Water Service Line Information
Lead has not been detected in system-wide sampling and random sampling evaluations. Following the Oregon Health Authorities’ guidelines, the City did not discover any lead service lines in the City. West Linn’s water is tested frequently and meets or exceeds all State and Federal requirements for water quality and purity.
No presence of lead is anticipated within West Linn; lead has not historically been commonly utilized for water pipes within the State of Oregon.
View the City's Annual Water Quality Reports with the link provided below.
The current water service line inventory is attached to this page. Residents and business owners whose service line material has been identified within the inventory require no further action. Community members whose service line material remains unknown will receive additional information in the mail. Staff will continue working to verify the remaining unknown service lines in the coming years in compliance with federal regulations. Again, No presence of lead is anticipated within West Linn
The information below follows Federal Requirements.
Lead & Copper Regulations Over Time
In 1985, Oregon banned the use of lead components in public water systems and then in 1986, EPA required the use of lead-free pipes, fittings, solder, and flux in all drinking water applications. However, small amounts of lead were still allowed in items labeled as lead-free. At this time, lead-free solder and flux were defined as containing less than 0.2% lead and lead-free pipes and pipe fittings were defined as containing less than 8% lead.
In 1991, EPA passed the lead and copper rule, which required water systems to start testing the drinking water for lead and copper. Those systems with high lead levels were required to make adjustments to reduce lead levels in their drinking water.
In 2011, EPA changed the definition of lead-free to be a weighted average of 0.25% calculated across the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, and fixtures. The definition of lead-free solder and flux remained unchanged at 0.2%.
In 2021, EPA published the revised Lead and Copper Rule, which requires water suppliers to create an inventory of all service line pipe materials in the City’s service area, including the private lines between the water meter and building. Suppliers must then notify customers, if the service line material is unknown.
AWWA: Together, Let's Get the Lead Out Video
Steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water.
Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.
- Use your filter properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead.
- Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
- Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home.
- Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line or galvanized service line if present. Contact us to find out about any construction or maintenance work that may disturb your service line.
- Have your water tested. Contact us, your water utility, to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water. Alternatively, you may contact a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. A list of certified laboratories is available at https://www.epa.gov/region8-waterops/certified-drinking-water-laboratories-systems-wyoming-and-tribal-lands-epa-region. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto.
Verifying Service Line Materials
For a step-by-step guide on identifying lead pipe visit: EPA Material Check Guide
