News and notices

The Portland Water Bureau proactively replaces aging water mains to keep our drinking water system reliable and resilient. We consider many factors when choosing which mains our crews will replace. These projects reduce the risk of breaks and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Thanks to quick action and strong coordination between Portland Water Bureau and City of Gresham crews, a major leak in one of Portland’s largest water mains (pipes) was successfully located, excavated, evaluated and repaired in less than a day. Traffic lanes on Powell Boulevard have reopened.

As of the morning of Wednesday, May 27, Powell Boulevard (Highway 26) is now reopen to normal traffic.

SW Arthur remains open to traffic. Drivers can avoid the area by detouring to SW Fourth Ave or by taking the SW Naito Parkway exit from SW Kelly Ave.

Drivers advised to use detour for east and westbound travel on NE Bryant St

Oct. 16 is Imagine a Day Without Water, a national day to highlight the value of water in our lives. Take a moment to consider what a day without this vital resource would be like and all the work that happens every day above and below ground to make sure you’ll always have water when you need it.

Drivers advised to use detour for east and westbound travel on SW Multnomah Blvd and 54th Ave as Portland Water Bureau crews respond to a water main break

Drivers advised to use detour for westbound travel on NE Airport Way and the southbound right turn lane on NE 148th Ave to Airport Way while Portland Water Bureau crews repair a water main break. The lane closures are expected to remain in place until Friday, May 16.

This year’s Big Game may be a snooze-fest, but these Portland Water facts will wake you up like a splash of water to the face.