People are exposed to lead in many ways. In the Portland area, dust from paint in homes built before 1978 is the most common source of exposure to lead. Other sources include soil, solder, fishing weights, ammunition, plumbing, pottery, folk medicine remedies or cosmetics which many contain lead, and some occupations and hobbies. 

Exposure to lead through drinking water is possible if materials in a building's plumbing contain lead. The level of lead in water can increase when water "stands" in contact with lead-based solder and brass faucets containing lead. Simple steps can help you avoid possible exposure to lead from plumbing.

Portland's source water rarely contains detectable lead. Our water supplies consistently meet or surpass all federal and state drinking water standards. Portland has never had lead service lines and has removed all known lead service connections from its distribution system.