Medford Water Commission - Water Quality Improvement Project

Water quality and the protection of public health are our top priorities. In late 2018, we completed a two-year Water Quality and Corrosion Study to better understand options to further reduce the possibility of lead and copper leaching from materials in the water system and home plumbing. Our two water supplies – Big Butte Springs and the Rogue River – do not contain lead or copper.

The study showed that adjusting the water chemistry with sodium hydroxide is the best option to reduce the release of lead and copper. Sodium hydroxide is used at thousands of drinking water plants across the nation; when dissolved in water, it breaks down into sodium (found in table salt) and hydroxide ions (found in all water). The sodium concentration in the water will remain at what is considered a very low level by drinking water guidelines.

Lead and copper have known health effects. Reducing lead and copper release helps keep everyone in our community healthy.

The design and construction of facilities to facilitate these new water quality improvements is currently ongoing. To learn more about Lead and Copper regulations from the EPA, click here.

What is Medford Water doing to reduce lead and copper in our drinking water?

We have taken a multi-pronged approach to reducing lead and copper:

Program to proactively find and remove lead pipe “pigtails” installed in the early 1900s. - COMPLETED

The Water Quality Improvement Project, a rigorous scientific study to identify water quality improvements that work with our water and system. - COMPLETED

Working with third-party experts and the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance to identify a scientifically rigorous and credible solution. - COMPLETED

Design and construct new water quality improvements. – ONGOING

How can I learn more?