Water Bureau programs for the community

Information
group of adults sitting at a table in a large room looking at a man demonstrating a plastic tank with water
You're invited to learn more about your drinking water! We hold several events throughout the year for adults and families to see and learn about our drinking water sources.


On this page

Bull Run tours

Bull Run Watershed tours offer the unique chance to see firsthand how Portland's drinking water travels from forest to faucet. The majority of the day is in the Bull Run but starts with a short visit to the city's groundwater source, the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

Groundwater 101

FREE educational adult workshop that teaches groundwater basics, including local geology and hydrology, the role groundwater plays in our drinking water system, and what can be done to protect this important resource. This event is generally held on a Saturday morning in the winter.

Cycle the Well Field

A FREE adult bicycle tour of Portland’s groundwater drinking water source. Children 12 and older who are comfortable on their bicycles and accompanied by an adult are welcome. This event is generally held annually on a Saturday in June.

Aquifer Adventure

This is a FREE, pirate-themed, family-friendly festival that celebrates groundwater. Make edible aquifers, play interactive groundwater games, take a canoe ride on the slough with a pirate guide, and listen to live music. This event is generally held annually on a Saturday in late summer next to the Groundwater facility at NE 166th and Airport Way.