Lead Service Lines in Gresham, OR
What you need to know
Gresham's water systems serve about 77,210 people across 8 water providers. The largest is the City of Gresham (about 73,932 residents), followed by smaller districts like Pleasant Home Water District and Lusted Water District.
Current inventory status: The water systems serving Gresham have not yet reported confirmed counts of lead service lines to state regulators. This doesn't mean lead lines aren't present—it means the inventory work is still underway or data hasn't been made public yet.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the public water main. If your water travels through one, lead can leach into your drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986 (when lead was still used in plumbing). Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development and learning.
The good news: lead in water is preventable. Knowing whether you have a lead line is the first step.
What Gresham-area residents should do now
Your water utility is required by federal law to create and share a lead service line inventory. Oregon's deadline for utilities to complete these inventories depends on system size, with most utilities working toward 2024–2030 completion dates.
To find out if you have a lead service line:
- Contact your water utility directly and ask for your address's service line material.
- Ask about corrosion control treatment (which reduces lead leaching).
- Request a free water test through your local health department if you're concerned.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water provider – Call the City of Gresham water department or your local district and ask about your service line. Use the utility name and phone number from your water bill.
- Check your home's age – Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. Ask a plumber to inspect visible pipes in your basement or crawl space.
- Get your water tested – Free or low-cost testing is often available through your county health department. Lead can't be seen, tasted, or smelled.
- Use a filter if needed – NSF-certified filters can reduce lead. The EPA's drinking water hotline (800-426-4791) can point you to certified models.