Services, Guides, and Information
64 services and resources found
We work to uproot systemic inequities and their impacts on our employees and the people we serve. We commit to the difficult—and essential—work of transforming Water Bureau policies, practices, and culture to better serve historically and currently oppressed communities.
Filtering or treating drinking water at home
Information
Learn about drinking water filters, and, if you choose to use one, how to pick the right one for you.
Find a HydroPark
Information
The Portland Water Bureau's HydroParks are water infrastructure facilities that have been transformed to also serve as neighborhood greenspaces. Find one near you.
Fixing water main breaks
Information
The Portland Water Bureau’s Maintenance & Construction crews are ready to respond to emergencies, including water main breaks, 24-hours a day, and seven days a week. On average, crews respond to 200 main breaks a year.
Get to know your groundwater
Information
Portland's groundwater improves the reliability of our water system by providing a robust secondary drinking water source that supplements the water we get from Bull Run. Together, these two water sources ensure that we can deliver excellent water every minute of every day.
Groundwater Protection Program
Information
Just like our rivers, our groundwater must be protected. The cities of Portland, Gresham, and Fairview have implemented the Groundwater Protection Program to protect the Columbia South Shore Well Field, a source of drinking water for nearly one million Oregonians.
How Bull Run is protected
Information
Portland has excellent water in part because generations of lawmakers, City staff, and community members have worked to protect Bull Run.
We are committed to reducing our impact on the climate. Here's an overview of the actions we're taking to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient as we continue our essential work of serving drinking water to Portland.
Learn more about different backflow prevention assemblies.
How to prepare for a water emergency
Information
At the Portland Water Bureau, we prepare as part of our daily work—hardening the backbone of our water system and building storage that will last for generations. In an emergency, everyone has a role to play. What's yours?
When temperatures are at or below freezing, water pipes can freeze or break. Whether you rent or own, there are steps you can take to protect your plumbing and reduce the risk of breaks.
How to read your sewer, stormwater, water bill
Information
This page explains how single-family residential customers can read and understand their bill.
Have questions about how to fill out your annual report for the Groundwater Protection Program? Start here.
Hydrate for Health
Information
A partnership between the Portland Water Bureau and Multnomah County's REACH Program focuses on water as a central part of a healthy lifestyle.
Learn how lead enters drinking water, how you can test for lead and reduce your exposure to lead in water, and what the Water Bureau is doing to reduce lead in water.
Keeping your drinking water safe
Information
Delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water is our highest priority.
Lead and drinking water
Information
Learn how lead enters drinking water, how you can test for lead and reduce your exposure to lead in water, and what the Water Bureau is doing to reduce lead in water.
Learn more about our 2021-2025 Actions
Information
Learn more about the actions in the Plan to Advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Find the timing, lead teams, and questions for the data here.
Technical information about how and where to install backflow prevention assemblies.
Legionella and drinking water
Information
Learn about Legionella, what the Water Bureau is doing to protect public health, and steps everyone can take to prevent Legionella growth in their plumbing systems.
Maintaining water quality with hydrant flushing
Information
When we need to clean inside the city’s pipes, we flush water through hydrants. It’s one way we maintain excellent water quality.
Learn more about how to apply for permits and receive inspections from Environmental Services, Fire and Rescue, Transportation, Urban Forestry and Water.
In response to the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with the Bureau of Environmental Services to provide financial support to Portland's small businesses.
Precautionary boil water advisories
Information
We issue precautionary boil water advisories when there is a loss of pressure in a water main (pipe). If you're affected by one of these advisories, we'll hang a notice on the doorknob of your front door. If you have received a door hanger, boil your water or use bottled water.
Seasonal water supply planning
Information
Each year, we develop a Seasonal Water Supply Augmentation and Contingency Plan. This plan makes sure we're prepared for the range of potential drinking water supply and demand conditions that could occur in the Portland area.
See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.