Water Quality
Lusted Water District complies with State and Federal water quality regulations related to the distribution of potable water.
Lusted Water District maintains a program of regular water testing and sanitary inspections to verify compliance with water quality regulations. All water quality data collected withing our system is promptly reported to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and in turn, the OHA publishes this raw data on their website. Because of this, we do not publish the raw data on this website.
The District publishes annual "Consumer Confidence Reports" report summarizing all water quality sampling results for the prior year. The reports also provide short articles about relevant water quality topics.
Archive of annual Consumer Confidence Reports
The Oregon Health Authority maintains updated water quality testing data for Lusted Water District, and all public water systems in the State of Oregon. Lusted Water District has a water system ID of 00361
Water Quality Data for Lusted Water District on file at Oregon Health Authority:
OHA Water Quality Data for LWD
Selected Water Quality Sampling Information Links:
Lusted Water District conducts monthly sampling for "Total Coliform Bacteria". Coliform Bacteria is generally a harmless bacteria that is used as an "indicator" for possible presence of more serious strains of bacteria. If coliform bacteria is identified in the system, an internal investigation immediately begins to identify the source of the bacteria, and if more harmful bacteria is also present. A set of regulations are followed for addressing any identified contamination and re-testing to confirm the water is safe to drink.
The concentration of chlorine concentration in our drinking water is measured at the same time each water sample is collected for bacteria testing. The concentration of chlorine of the drinking water in our distribution pipelines is referred to as the "chlorine residual". It is ideal for all drinking water delivered to customers to contain a detectible chlorine residual.
Lusted Water District measures the concentration of disinfection byproducts in the drinking water on a quarterly basis. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can form in water when disinfectants (chlorine, for example) combine with naturally occurring organic materials found in source water, in both the treatment process and later in the distribution system. Consuming water with levels of DBPs in excess of EPA’s standards over many years is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer.
Lusted Water District regularly monitors lead and copper (always monitored together)
The District is not aware of any lead fixtures or connections within the distribution system, and its water supply consistently meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water standards with respect to lead and copper concentrations.
However, plumbing and fixtures in your home may leach lead into the water, especially hot water. Commons sources include:
Lead solder, which may have been used to join your plumbing (common in homes between 1970 and 1985).
Older (before 2014) brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. As of 2014, all brass plumbing fittings must be no more than .25 percent lead.
Easy steps to avoid possible exposure to lead from plumbing
Run your water to flush out lead. If the water has not been used for several hours, run each tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until it becomes colder before drinking or cooking. This flushes water which may contain lead from the pipes.
Use cold, fresh water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
Consider using a filter. Check whether it reduces lead—not all filters do. Many carbon-based filters are labeled for lead removal. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality. Contact NSF International (link is external) (1-800-NSF-8010) for information on performance standards for water filters. A faulty or contaminated filter may be worse for water quality than no filter at all.
Consider buying low-lead fixtures. As of 2014, Federal law requires brass faucets, fittings and valves to contain no more than .25 percent lead. These fixtures are labeled as “lead-free.” See the NSF website for a list of lead-free faucets»
Copper is a very common plumbing material utilized in our water system and customer's homes. Lusted Water District has utilized copper as a material for service tubing, connecting each customer's water meter to the distribution pipeline. Copper tubing is corrosion resistant and flexible.
Lusted Water District regularly monitors the concentration of copper in customer taps at the same time we monitor lead concentrations.
Source water sampling by City of Portland Water Bureau