Tea-like color in water is temporary
Residents around the Portland-area may be seeing a slight, tea-like color in the water. This yellow tint is a lingering result of heavy rains in December 2025. This is a harmless discoloration from natural forest material in the Bull Run Watershed. We anticipate that the color will clear in the coming days to weeks, depending on your location.
Water is safe to drink
The color does not impact the safety of the drinking water and is a normal occurrence in our system. Currently, drinking water from the Bull Run is not filtered, which is why the color from the forest can be seen in tap water or staining the filters in your business or home. However, drinking water from Bull Run will be filtered in the coming years.
If you have discolored water that is not a yellow tint, please report it to the Water Quality Line. Water that is brown or darker than a tint—more like coffee than tea in color—may be caused by something else happening in your neighborhood.