Water Quality FAQs

A: EWEB adds chlorine to kill microorganisms that can make people sick.  Federal law requires a trace of chlorine in the water to ensure its purity as it travels from the filtration plant to the tap. Some customers may notice the taste and odor of chlorine more than others.  The amount of chlorine in the water varies depending on where the customer lives within the distribution system.  It can be very helpful to clean faucet aerators to control chlorine taste and odor. 

 It is easy to remove the taste of chlorine in the water that you drink: 

•  Set a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for an hour or so.  Chlorine is a dissolved gas and will dissipate into the air. 
• Add a slice of citrus or cucumber to the water. 

• Boil for 5 minutes then refrigerate. 
• Find a water filter that removes chlorine.  

A: No. Over the years, our customers have let us know their wishes about adding fluoride to their drinking water, as the following timeline details:

• 1953: EWEB invites customers to take part in an informal vote via post card ballots. Voters reject the use of fluoride in drinking water by a slight majority.
• 1958: In November, the issue is place on the ballot. A growing majority of customers vote against fluoridation.
• 1964: The issue returns to the ballot, and residents for the first time vote to add fluoride to the water.
• 1965: Fluoridation opponents call for a special election. Voters reverse the decision and impose a ban on the use of fluoride in drinking water.
• 1976: Local residents vote in favor of fluoridation in a November election.
• 1977: Fluoridation opponents petition for a special election. Voters again reverse the decision and impose a ban on the use of fluoride in drinking water.

A: Hardness is a way of defining the mineral content of water. "Hard water" has high mineral content. "Soft water" has low mineral content. Our water is considered soft, which means it contains small amounts of some minerals. 

Learn more about EWEB water quality test results.

A: Particles in your drinking water might clog your faucet aerators, but particles are usually not harmful or toxic. 

Rust or other minerals in your home's plumbing could cause colored particles. A broken dip tube in your water heater could cause white flaky particles. To find out what kind of particles are collecting in your aerator:

• Place the particles in vinegar overnight. 
• Minerals will dissolve in the vinegar, plastic from a dip tube will not. 

You should consider replacing your dip tube if plastic pieces are clogging your aerators. To replace your dip tube, follow manufacturer instructions. Plumbers can replace dip tubes and flush remaining particles out of the water heater.

A: Check out some tips on how to get rid of discolored water from your home.

Here's how to flush your home's pipes:

• Turn on your outside hose bibs at full force one at a time for 10 minutes or until the water runs clear.  Start with the hose bib closest to your water meter.
• If the water does not clear after a few minutes, wait an hour. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.
• After the outside hose bibs run clear, run the cold-water faucets at full force throughout the house for 5 minutes or until the water clears.
• Start at the cold-water faucet in the bathtub because that faucet has the highest flow.
• After the tub faucet and hose bibs run clear, flush all other cold-water faucets in the house.
• After flushing, remove faucet aerators to clear any particles and then reinstall them.

Please contact EWEB at 541-685-7595 if you follow these instructions and you still see discolored water flowing from the tap.

Get more information here.