Check out our video archive for the Bull Run Treatment Projects.
Bull Run Treatment Projects Overview
We are making two important improvements to Portland’s water supply from Bull Run. Both projects are required under state and federal law.
Bull Run Treatment Projects and WIFIA with Senator Merkley
The Water Bureau is taking big steps to help finance needed investments in the future of our water system. We secured a long-term, low-cost federal loan for the Bull Run Treatment Projects that will benefit ratepayers and provide at least $247 million of debt-service savings over the life of the loan.
WIFIA Award Event Highlights
Highlights from the March 4, 2021 Bull Run Treatment Projects WIFIA Loan Award Recognition event, featuring Gov. Kate Brown, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox, Mayor Wheeler, Commissioner Mingus Mapps, former Commissioner Amanda Fritz and our own Director Gabriel Solmer. Learn more about WIFIA Award Event Highlights, and check out the full March 4, 2021 Bull Run Treatment Projects WIFIA Loan Award Recognition Event.
Bull Run Treatment Projects: Connected to Our Water for Life
Ask most Portlanders and they’ll tell you how much they love our delicious water and how grateful they are for the City’s commitment to ensuring it stays safe and clean for the future. But don’t just take our word for it: Hear from our water champions why Portlanders have a special connection to Bull Run water.
Portland Water Bureau: Equity in Construction
The City of Portland is ensuring social equity on every project through contracting goals that encourage workforce diversity and create opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Learn more about the bureau's commitment to equity.
Improved Corrosion Control
We have made improvements to further reduce lead in drinking water levels at customer taps. As of April 2022, we have improved treatment facilities to make our water less corrosive to lead and other metals found in home and building plumbing in Portland. Learn more here.
Improved Corrosion Control Flyover Rendering
Portland Water Bureau constructed improved treatment facilities to make the Bull Run drinking water source less corrosive to lead and other metals found in home and building plumbing. The completed project includes a building for the new corrosion control treatment system, a water utility water pump station, and associated piping and support systems.
Silos Delivered for Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project
Delivery and installation of the two silos for the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment facility was a momentous feat for both man and machine. Now fully operational, the silos house treatment to adjust our water chemistry to make it less corrosive to lead and other metals that can be found in some home and building plumbing.
Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project Silo Installation
The first of two 50’ tall silos was delivered May 13, 2021 for the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project. These silos are necessary for treatment that adjusts the chemistry of our water to make it less corrosive to lead and other metals that can be found in some home and building plumbing. The silo arrived fully assembled on large specialized truck and trailer rigs, and placed on a concrete foundation using a crane.
CO2 Delivery to the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project
CO2 was delivered to our Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project. Now fully operational, this proven safe treatment adjusts our water chemistry to make it less corrosive to lead and other metals that can be found in some home and building plumbing.
Improved Corrosion Control Construction with Jon Johnson
Since the start of Improved Corrosion Control Treatment construction in summer 2020, Construction Manager Jon Johnson and the project team have been using a mix of engineering, problem-solving, and ingenuity to minimize disruptions for those near the Lusted Hill facility site. Learn more about Jon.
Improved Corrosion Control Treatment with Kimberly Gupta
As construction of the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment neared completion, the team turned to testing and startup to bring the new system online. Kimberly Gupta, Water Supply and Treatment Manager, describes how adjusting the chemistry of our water can help reduce levels of lead at customers' taps. Learn more about Kim.
Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project with Mac Gifford
A look at how the Portland Water Bureau's Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project improves water quality for customers across the Rose City.
Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project with Tom Krause
Environmental Specialist Tom Krause shows how the Portland Water Bureau replicates the conditions of its high-risk homes so it can test for lead-in-water every month. This testing method helps us determine how corrosive our water is and will inform operations at the Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project.
Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project is Now Online
The Improved Corrosion Control Treatment Project (ICCT) is now in operation to help make water from the Bull Run watershed less corrosive to lead and other metals found in some home and building plumbing. The upgraded treatment is our strongest tool yet to reduce the risk of lead at the tap. The treatment changes will be phased in over several months and we will continue monitoring water quality though the system as we make the changes. Learn more about how the ICCT project came together.
What is Cryptosporidium?
The new filtration facility will remove Cryptosporidium and other potential contaminants from the Bull Run water supply, producing cleaner, safer water.
Benefits of Filtration
In addition to removing Cryptosporidium, filtration provides many other significant benefits to customers, including helping to address potential water quality impacts from fires or storms.
Filtration Pilot Project
We installed a miniature water treatment facility called a pilot plant at our Headworks facility to learn more about how to most effectively treat our unique water. Learn more about the filtration pilot project.
The filtration process presented at the OMSI Science Pub
Highlights from the Willamette Water Treatment Facility Tour
In November 2019, we toured the City of Wilsonville’s Willamette River Water Treatment Facility with the community and Bull Run Filtration Site Advisory Group members. Attendees checked out equipment and processes at work at a drinking water filtration facility.
Highlights from the Joint Water Commission Water Treatment Facility Tour
In February 2020, we toured the Joint Water Commission Water Treatment Facility with the community and Bull Run Filtration Site Advisory Group members. Attendees checked out equipment and processes at work at a drinking water filtration facility.
Filtration Facility 90 Percent Design
Flyover of the Bull Run Filtration facility in design and expected to start construction in Fall 2023.
For Our Health
The Bull Run Treatment Projects underway are two significant improvements we’re making to further support and protect the health of everyone in our community: Improved Corrosion Control Treatment and Filtration. These projects are especially important to people with vulnerable immune systems including children, the elderly, and people who are pregnant or medically fragile. Learn more about steps we’re taking to protect against lead exposure and disease-causing microorganisms in our drinking water. Learn more here.
For Our Health with Commissioner Fritz
Commissioner Amanda Fritz was a former registered nurse prior to being elected to City Council and provides a unique perspective to her role overseeing the Water Bureau. “Water is the most basic need of life," says Commissioner Fritz "We need to make sure there is safe and plentiful water for generations to come.” Learn more about Commissioner Fritz.
For Our Health with Dr. Vines
As the Multnomah County Health Officer and lead health officer for the Tri-County region, Dr. Jennifer Vines provides leadership on a range of public health issues. “Figuring out a system for clean, safe water 150 years ago was a huge public health win,” says Dr. Vines. “We can take clean water for granted in Portland, thanks to our highly protected Bull Run water source and water treatment.” Learn more about Dr. Vines.
For Our Health with Dr. McKenzie and Dr. Patel
Both professionally and at home, Dr. McKenzie and Dr. Patel know how important it is to have clean water coming out of the tap. From the routine care of their patients to making sure their two kids are washing their hands, they understand having infrastructure that ensures we have safe and healthy water is key for public health. For their patients, their family, and the community.
For Our Health with Water Quality Manager, Yone Akagi
At the Portland Water Bureau our Water Quality team works diligently to ensure we deliver drinking water to your tap that meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water standards. Water Quality Manager, Yone Akagi knows the importance of having safe and healthy drinking water. “The filtration project is going to have a lot of great public health benefits" says Akagi. Learn more about Yone.
For Our Health with Darcey Ayala
As the nurse manager of the Hemodialysis Unit at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Hospital, Darcey Ayala sees how important clean, safe water is for the treatment and overall health of her patients each and every day. Learn more about Darcey.
For Our Economy
The investments we're making in the Bull Run Treatment Projects create jobs today and will provide safe, reliable water infrastructure for our community members, businesses, and industries to thrive for generations to come.
For Our Economy with Fernando's Alegria
Water is essential to the diverse industries and businesses powering our local economy. Hear how Fernando Rodriquez relies on clean, safe water for everything from hand washing and kitchen sanitation to cooking up his unique twist on the delicious flavors of Mexico. Learn more about Fernando.
For Our Economy with Von Ebert Brewing and Wayfinder Beer
The improvements we’re making through the Bull Run Treatment Projects will ensure our water quality is more consistent, which is essential for our local craft brewers to keep churning out new and exciting beer. “Water is used for almost every single process for the brewing industry,” says local brewer Maddy McCarthy with Von Ebert Brewing. Consistent water is key to continuing to brew the ones customers love the most. Learn more about Von Ebert Brewing and Wayfinder Beer.
For Our Economy with Cecelia Huynh
Keeping water affordable while making key investments in our water system is a top priority at the Portland Water Bureau—and something our whole team takes to heart. Learn more about Cecelia.
For Our Economy with Emerio Design
Potable water is important to daily living standards and supporting the local economy. Investing in our infrastructure and water system ensures Portlanders will have a reliable, high-quality water source for years to come. Learn more about Emerio.
For Our Economy with Ian Williams
Deadstock Coffee brings together three things that Portland is known for: community, sneakers, and delicious coffee. It’s a unique concept with an often-unsung ingredient in helping build its success: Bull Run water. Learn more about Ian and Deadstock Coffee.
For Our Economy with Mike Logan
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. Learn more about Mike.
For Our Future
Generations of Portlanders will benefit from the long-term improvements we're making to enhance our water system’s resilience, reduce future risks, and better protect our water. Learn more here.
For Our Future with Kelly Kupcak
Building water infrastructure like the Bull Run Treatment Projects enables skilled tradeswomen to establish rewarding careers and contribute to improving the quality of life in our community. Learn more about Kelly.
For Our Future with Humberto Piedra-Ruiz
For Humberto Piedra-Ruiz, his work as a civil engineer for the Bull Run Treatment Projects is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to ensure access to clean, reliable water for his daughter and our whole community for generations to come. Learn more about Humberto.
For Our Future with Nisha Supahan
Knowing Portland is investing in safe, clean water gives Tattoo 34 owner and busy mom, Nisha Supahan, confidence in the future for her business, children, and community. Learn more about Nisha.
For Our Future with Commissioner Mingus Mapps
Commissioner Mingus Mapps describes his vision for the Portland Water Bureau and how projects like the new filtration facility that make our water supply more reliable and resilient are a win for everyone, including the most vulnerable in our community. Learn more about Commissioner Mapps.
For our Future with Lisa Knight
National Preparedness Month spotlights what firefighters like Lisa Knight see every day—being prepared saves lives. Making our water system more resilient with the Bull Run Treatment Projects is one of the ways the Water Bureau is looking ahead to prepare and protect our community. Learn more about Lisa.