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Label:
Capital improvement project
Label:
Closed while under construction
The Water Bureau has replaced original 1894 reservoirs with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir.
Opening by summer 2026
The Water Bureau has replaced original 1894 reservoirs with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir. This reservoir supplies water to Portland's west side. It serves more than 360,000 people, including all downtown businesses and residents, 20 schools, 5 hospital complexes, and more than 60 parks.
The reservoir site is temporarily closed
The Washington Park Reservoir site is still not ready for permanent public access. Crews are working to finish several items before we can open this space to the public. These projects do not impact the drinking water system or the water storage reservoir beneath the reflecting pool.
We hope to welcome the public into the upper reflecting pool promenade area in the summer of 2026.
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February construction update
Last updated February 11, 2026
We hear you, Portland! You are just as excited to be in the new Washington Park Reservoir space as we are.
For this update, we want to answer some of the most frequent questions we receive from the public:
What does it mean when we say that "we are making safety improvements"?
Our team identified several safety concerns in the lower area of the reservoir space. The lower area holds a reflecting pool, a lowland habitat, a bioswale, and historic features.
Here's what our team found:
The lowland habitat and bioswale look really enticing! But this natural area is meant to be a safe home for wildlife and will be used for stormwater and draining purposes. It is not meant to be entered by humans or pets.
Water runoff from the upper area can fill the bioswale very quickly and without warning. This is a risk for people and pets who may enter the area.
Additional security cameras were needed to ensure staff and guest safety.
The walkway down to the lowland habitat is steep, and visitors must walk long distances. The return uphill route is long. This may be a challenge for people with mobility issues, strollers, or young children.
Safety is our top priority
We decided to fence off the lower area from public use for now. We've already installed additional security cameras to ensure staff and guest safety. Crews are working to develop signage, install fencing, and address other safety issues.
Once these tasks are completed, we can open the lower space to the public. The lower space will continue to be closed occasionally for maintenance and operations work.
We plan to open the upper area first for everyone to enjoy. This area includes the walking paths around the reflecting pool and cascading water feature, the grand staircase, the ADA-accessible pathway, the interpretive wall, and the gatehouse plaza.
Why has the cascading water feature been turned off in the last few weeks? Why is the reflecting pool empty?
In the fall of 2025, crews conducted a series of flow tests in the new reflecting pool system. The test showed that there is water between the liners of the pool.
We're identifying next steps
Our contractor and construction teams have been working hard to find a solution. The first step is studying and assessing the flow and movement of water in the reflecting pool system. After this diagnostic period, we'll share information about the next steps.
Studying the performance of an 820,000-gallon water feature is a very complex job. While it's not ideal, large projects like this often experience prolonged construction and testing periods. We are grateful to have great partners to tackle this project with.
When will the public space open?
We hope to welcome the public into the upper reflecting pool promenade area in the summer of 2026.
We will continue to update the community on our progress toward opening the lower area.
Does this work affect my drinking water?
The reflecting pool is not part of the drinking water system.
The cascading water feature consists of two high-powered pumps that use recycled water. Drinking water is in a covered reservoir underneath the reflecting pool.
Where can I get status updates about Washington Park Reservoir?
We have a newsletter for construction updates. We will use this to communicate updates about Washington Park Reservoir. Sign up for the project newsletter or check back on this project webpage.
Visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about the project background.
Historic light fixtures are almost ready
The historic light fixtures at Washington Park Reservoir date to 1905, when the original reservoirs were first filled. These stunning ironwork fixtures originally operated on gas systems.
Fun fact: Each gas light fixture had to be lit by hand each night, then snuffed out each morning!
A local artisan shop is restoring the original fixtures and bringing them up to modern electrical standards. This is a long and very detailed process. It includes removing corroded elements and hand forging new details to match the original ironwork. We'll replace missing fixtures with new fixtures cast from a mold of an original fixture.
The historic lights at Washington Park Reservoir are similar to the original fixtures at the Mount Tabor reservoirs. In 2024, we restored the light fixtures around Mount Tabor Reservoir 5.
We will install the historic lighting this spring 2026.
Learn more about the Washington Park Reservoir
Road work on SW Sacajawea Boulevard
Crews are making road improvements and working on storm drains in the area around the reflecting pool. This will help divert stormwater and reduce the risk of pooling or flooding in the area.
Work has already started and will take a few weeks. Traffic signs and flaggers will direct travelers around the closure area. Please use caution when driving, walking, or biking near construction areas.