Tualatin Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Tualatin Public Works Department manages drinking water for approximately 30,000 residents in Tualatin, Oregon, located in Clackamas County within the Portland metropolitan area. Water is purchased from the Portland Water Bureau, primarily from the Bull Run Watershed reservoirs, supplemented by local groundwater from the City Well Fields. No filtration is applied to the Bull Run supply, which meets Surface Water Treatment Rule avoidance criteria; groundwater from the well fields receives basic treatment. The Operations Department can be contacted at 503-691-3091 for inquiries.

The Bull Run Watershed spans the western Cascade foothills, protected within Mount Hood National Forest, with headwaters in Oligocene-Miocene volcanics and Quaternary glacial deposits that impart a very soft character through limited mineral leaching from low-solubility igneous rock. Local groundwater originates in the Tualatin Valley subbasin of the Willamette Basin, recharged by Willamette River infiltration into Quaternary alluvium and the confined Sand and Gravel Aquifer, resulting in moderately mineralised water from sedimentary interactions. This geological contrast shapes a blended supply that remains predominantly very soft.

Very soft water minimises scale buildup, protecting appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines from calcium deposits and extending their lifespan with little maintenance required. Soap lathers easily, reducing detergent use, though occasional iron staining may occur if present. No water softener is recommended or needed, as the soft nature avoids common hard water issues like dry skin or spotting on glassware. Distribution pH ranges from 7.2 to 8.2; the utility complies with lead and copper rules with no notable exceedances. The 2024 Consumer Confidence Report confirms compliance with all standards, and trace metals such as nickel, sodium, and vanadium occur at natural levels without MCLs, posing no health risks.