Lead Service Lines in Gresham, Oregon
Gresham serves about 74,000 people. If you're wondering whether lead pipes connect your home to the water main, this page explains what's known—and what isn't yet.
What we know about Gresham's lead pipes
As of now, the City of Gresham has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its water system. This is common; many utilities across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their old pipes.
Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect the water main under the street to your home's plumbing. They were legal to install until 1986 and are most common in homes built before the 1970s. The main health risk is lead in drinking water, especially for young children and pregnant people.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Your best option is to contact the City of Gresham directly. They can tell you:
- Whether your address is flagged as a high-risk area (older neighborhoods are more likely to have lead lines)
- Whether they've begun testing or sampling in your neighborhood
- What their timeline is for completing a full inventory
You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the service line at your property—this is often the fastest way to get a definitive answer.
What Gresham is planning
Because a complete inventory doesn't yet exist, we don't have details on a replacement timeline or infrastructure funding. Once the utility completes its survey, they will be required to develop and share a plan for replacing lead service lines.
Protect your water right now
Until you know your service line status:
- Flush the tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after several hours without use
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead)
- Consider a certified lead filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified) while you wait for answers
For health concerns—especially if you have children under 6 or are pregnant—talk with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Call the City of Gresham water utility to ask about lead service lines at your address
- Document your home's age (older = higher risk) to share with the utility
- Get a water test through a certified lab if you're concerned about lead levels
- Install a certified filter as a precaution while your service line status is unknown
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Gresham have lead in the water?
The City of Gresham has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines. Lead is most likely to be present in homes with lead pipes connecting the home to the water main, which are more common in older houses built before the 1970s.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Gresham water utility—they may have records or be able to tell you if your neighborhood is high-risk. A licensed plumber can also inspect your service line. Testing the water itself is another option.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Gresham?
Gresham's treated water meets federal safety standards. However, if you have a lead service line, lead can enter your water. Flushing the tap for 30 seconds before use and using cold water for drinking and cooking are simple steps to reduce exposure.
When will Gresham replace lead service lines?
A replacement timeline depends on completion of the inventory and funding. Contact the City of Gresham to ask about their current planning and any projects in your area.