MEDFORD WATER COMMISSION Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Medford Water Commission serves approximately 106,068 people across the Medford, Oregon area. The utility draws its water from surface sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
As of now, Medford Water Commission has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a count of how many lead pipes connect homes to the water main in its service area.
Federal law requires all U.S. water utilities to inventory lead service lines by October 2024. If your water system has not yet shared this data publicly, it may still be in progress—or the results may not yet be online. Contact Medford Water Commission directly to ask about the status of their inventory and whether results are available.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water at home. Water flowing through a lead pipe can pick up lead particles, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water sits overnight. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development over time.
Knowing whether your home has a lead service line is the first step toward protecting your family. If you have one, flushing the line before drinking, using a certified filter, or arranging replacement are proven ways to reduce exposure.
What You Can Do Now
Check with your utility. Call or visit Medford Water Commission's website to ask:
- Has the lead service line inventory been completed?
- Is it available to view online or by request?
- Does your address have a lead or galvanized service line?
Get your water tested. A simple test (often free or low-cost through your local health department) tells you whether lead is actually in your tap water right now.
If you have a lead service line, consider flushing (running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking) and using a certified lead-reducing filter on your kitchen tap.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Medford Water Commission to request your home's service line material and the status of their inventory.
- Call your Oregon county health department to ask about free or low-cost water testing.
- If lead is detected, discuss options with your water utility—many utilities offer cost-sharing or rebates for line replacement.
- For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Medford have lead in the water?
Medford Water Commission has not yet published a lead service line inventory. Lead in tap water depends on whether your home has a lead or galvanized pipe connecting it to the main. Contact the utility or get your water tested to know your specific situation.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Medford Water Commission and ask about your address. They may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, or request a utility inspection.
Is lead service line replacement expensive?
Costs vary widely—typically $3,000–$15,000 per line—but many utilities, nonprofits, and state programs offer rebates, grants, or financing. Contact Medford Water Commission to ask what assistance may be available.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
A certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) on your kitchen tap can reduce lead, but it requires regular cartridge replacement. Boiling water does not remove lead. Flushing the tap for 30 seconds before drinking also helps.