Report
Given the time and money spent on protecting Bull Run, this audit asked whether the Water Bureau is managing the groundwater resource to ensure it is available in times of emergency or scarcity.
Published
The Portland Water Bureau identified and analyzed risks to groundwater and has a collaborative approach to managing this water source, which gets less attention than Bull Run. Used as the City’s secondary system, it faces risks such as climate change, aging infrastructure, and uncertainty about how much water the system can provide. The audit recommends that the Bureau develop a comprehensive strategy to prioritize the system’s needs and formalize decision-making roles.