FAQs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a 0.7 mg/l optimal level of fluoride in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. The Portland Water District maintains an average of 0.70 mg/l. Recently, the Portland Water District was awarded the Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for achieving excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoridated water.

1. Use appliances efficiently. Run full loads in the dish or clothes washer or, if your appliance has one, use a load selector.
2. Buy a water saver. Select new appliances that are designed to minimize water use.
3. Clean vegetables and fruit efficiently. Use a vegetable brush to expedite cleaning.
4. Use garbage grinders as little as possible. Start a compost pile.
5. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. Avoid running the tap just to cool water for drinking or utilize that water for other uses such as watering plants.

Leaks. Unseen or unfixed, they can drip hundreds, even thousands of gallons of water wastefully down the drain. A little detective work several times a year can catch these water thieves in the act and put them out of circulation.

Possible causes of toilet leaks include: