Eugene’s drinking water is among the best in the nation. That’s according to the Eugene Water and Electric Board’s annual quality reportrelease this week.
EWEB spokesman Joe Harwood attributes the quality of Eugene’s drinking water to its source, the McKenzie River. He says tests are conducted every day for lead, copper and other contaminants. The crisis in Flint, Michigan has raised concerns about lead. Harwood says EWEB treats its water to prevent corrosion in plumbing systems—which is what caused lead to leach into Flint’s water.
Harwood: “Even though EWEB has removed all the service lines that were in our system 40, 50 years ago, older household plumbing can still be a concern because lead solder was commonly used in homes plumbed with copper pipes before 1985, so lead can also be found in plumbing fixtures.”
Harwood says residents who do have lead in their pipes can reduce exposure. They can run water from the tap for a moment before using, regularly clean faucet aerators, and avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking.
