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Native American-owned McDonald Excavating has been instrumental in performing the complex and technically challenging excavation and pipework required to build the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment facility.

Figuring out a system for clean, safe water is essential for public health. The Bull Run Treatment Projects carry on our history of using proven and safe treatment to protect the health of our community.

We completed the first of four design milestones for the filtration facility. The Filtration Facility Basis of Design Report provides the design foundation for the best treatment process for our water and is another major step toward making the filtration facility a reality.  

Frequently asked questions for the Bull Run Treatment Projects.

Construction of Improved Corrosion Control Treatment is nearing completion and the team is turning their efforts to testing and startup to bring the new system online. Beginning April 2022, the new system will provide an additional tool to further reduce lead at customers’ taps.

Water is essential for our brains and bodies to function properly and, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, it’s essential for helping prevent communicable diseases. That’s why doctors, public health officials, and city leaders are champions for our efforts to make our water supply even safer.

The Portland Water Bureau secured low-cost, long-term federal financing from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to help build the Bull Run Treatment Projects. Based on rate projections, it will provide at least $247 million of debt-service savings.

Water Quality Engineer Mac Gifford shares how we’re using science to learn what works best for our water and help make design decisions for the future filtration facility.

In November 2020, the Water Bureau will mark another major Bull Run Filtration Project milestone and submit preliminary planning and pilot study results to the Oregon Health Authority as part of the compliance schedule.