What we’re doing
The Portland Water Bureau is working closely with the U.S. Forest Service Oregon Department of Forestry, local fire departments, and other agencies to monitor fires near the Bull Run Watershed Management Area and to prepare for any fire-related threats to our drinking water.
Our treatment operators in the Bull Run Watershed are closely monitoring potential impacts from the regional wildfires. So far there has been no noticeable ash fall in the Bull Run. Any ash that may fall in the Bull Run is unlikely to pose a water quality concern. Our drinking water is stored in two large reservoirs in the Bull Run Watershed. Any ash that falls on water surfaces would be diluted by the volume of water in the reservoirs.
Additionally, our water system pulls water from the middle to lower parts of the reservoirs, rather than the surface, for drinking water use, further minimizing any potential impacts. One way to monitor for impacts of ash on the water is to look at the turbidity or the number of particles in the water. The Portland Water Bureau has been carefully monitoring the turbidity of the water and has not found any measurable impacts from the fires.
What you can do
- Follow official sources for information, including Multnomah County’s 2020 wildfire page.
- Sign up for Public Alerts to get local emergency information from officials.
- Understand evacuation levels and make a plan.
- Follow the Water Bureau on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Es seguro beber agua del grifo de Portland. Preguntas sobre la calidad del agua: WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-7525. Tenemos disponibilidad de traducción e interpretación.
Водопроводная вода в Портленде не представляет опасности для вашего здоровья. Вопросы по качеству воды: WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-7525. Возможны услуги письменного и устного перевода.
Nước máy của Portland an toàn để uống. Câu hỏi về chất lượng nước: WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-7525. Có dịch vụ phiên dịch.
Portland（波特兰）自来水可以安全饮用。有关水质问题：WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-7525. 提供翻译和口译服务。