Today, Oct. 13, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into the distribution system for supply augmentation. It can take up to two weeks, depending on location, for the blended water to make its way through the distribution system to all homes and businesses.
Due to the continued dry weather, warm temperatures, and available long-term weather forecasts, the Portland Water Bureau will supplement approximately 35 percent Bull Run water with 65 percent of groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field.
“Thanks to careful planning and investment, groundwater is here when we need it,” said Portland Water Bureau Director Gabriel Solmer. “Portland’s access to two excellent water sources allows us to be prepared for a range of conditions. Because of groundwater, we expect to have enough water for everyone in Portland through this continued dry season.
The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-quality water supply that meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations.
The Portland Water Bureau informs the media and sensitive water users, as a practice, when it activates groundwater and when it has significant operational changes. We will issue a notification when we return to 100 percent Bull Run water. Sensitive water users can sign up to be directly notified by the Portland Water Bureau at portlandoregon.gov/water/notification.
Customers with questions should call the Water Line at 503-823-7525.
About the Portland Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.