Multnomah County appreciates the public’s patience as it responds to an unprecedented number of requests for water test kits and lead screening.
On Monday, April 11, the Health Department deployed additional staff to respond to requests to the Leadline. The Leadline is the county’s lead poisoning prevention program and handles requests for free lead-in-water testing for the Portland Water Bureau. The county’s Lead Program also offers free blood lead screening for children 6 and under and pregnant women.
More than 600 people emailed the county this weekend following news stories on Portland’s water system. Typically, only a few emails come in over a weekend.
The Portland Water Bureau reports the risks from lead in water in the Portland area is limited to households with lead in their plumbing. Lead solder was common in homes built between 1970 and 1985 and can be in some older brass or chrome-plated brass fixtures. The most common source of lead poisoning in our area is not water, but lead-based paint.
No home investigations have ever found water to be the source of a child’s elevated level.
Multnomah County works closely with the Portland Water Bureau to provide free water test kits and lead screening.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we respond to every request,’’ said Perry Cabot, manager from the Leadline program. “We’re glad that so many people are doing what they can to ensure they are drinking safe water.’’
For lead prevention information and referral:
503.988.4000
Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese interpreters available.