At the start of the Memorial Day holiday, Environmental Services is making available two tools for the public to be assured that Willamette River water quality is safe for boating, swimming, and playing.
- Environmental Services is bringing back the popular summer “Check the Rec” program of weekly E. coli testing for the Willamette River. Environmental Services tests the river at five popular locations weekly, posting results each Friday. People can Check the Rec at https://www.portland.gov/bes/check-rec.
- New this year, Environmental Services is previewing the Big Pipe Tracker. People can see in close to real time how the Big Pipe Project is preventing combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River during periods of rain. During this unusually dry spring, levels have been especially low. During future rains, people can see how the Big Pipes collect rain and sewage to send that mixture to the city’s main treatment plant, keeping the river sewage free. https://www.portland.gov/bes/big-pipe-tracker.
E. coli is harmful bacteria that can come from people through sewage as well as wildlife and pets. That’s why it’s especially important to pick up after pet waste.
“The Willamette River is cleaner than it’s been in decades thanks to our investments in the Big Pipe and other environmental improvements. A clean river benefits us all - people and wildlife,” said Environmental Services Director Mike Jordan. “So enjoy the river and please help keep it clean by packing out trash and picking up after pets.”
The first Check the Rec bacteria samples of the season, show levels at all five sites arebelow a count of 170, well under the 406-count health standard set for swimming by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Those results are consistent with previous years’ results, which have consistently been low since the Big Pipe completion in 2011.
While bacteria levels are low, so are temperatures. Readings showed temperatures at about 60 degrees. Cold water is good for migrating salmon and other fish, but water below 70 degrees can be uncomfortable and unsafe for people.
People are advised to use caution in cold water and follow these additional tips to enjoy the river safely:
- Know the water and know your abilities to stay safe and enjoy the river. Many factors affect safety on the river, including temperature, currents, and debris.
- Be aware of your surroundings. While the river is free of sewage and harmful bacteria levels, there still can be pockets of exposure from people, wildlife or pets. If in doubt, stay out.
- Keep the river clean. Pick up after your pet and leave no trash behind.
- Check the Rec for water temperatures as well as bacteria all summer long at https://www.portland.gov/bes/check-rec.
The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. For news updates, follow @BESPortland on Twitter and visit www.portland.gov/bes.