For more than a hundred years, reservoirs on the slopes of Mount Tabor stored much of the city's drinking water. Mount Tabor formed a major part of Portland's water system, with most of the city's water passing through its reservoirs.
To comply with drinking water regulations, the Water Bureau disconnected Mount Tabor's original uncovered reservoirs from the drinking water system in 2015. One covered reservoir on Mount Tabor still stores drinking water. As part of the disconnection, the Water Bureau agreed to create interpretive displays honoring Mount Tabor's important place in the city's water system.
The Water Bureau is working with Portlanders, including representatives the Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association, to design interpretive displays that will tell the story of these historic reservoirs.
The project team consists of the Water Bureau, the Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association, Historical Research Associates, Inc., and Bryan Potter Design. The Water Bureau is also working with the Native American Community Advisory Council on this project.