Portland Water Bureau

Emergency Messages as of 5:58 PM, Mon. Sep 22

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News Release

It's Cold: Protect Your Pipes To Protect Your Property And Keep The Water On. (BTW, The Bubblers Are Off.) (Photo) - 12/20/22

The Portland Water Bureau is staffed and ready to respond to weather-related main breaks and service disruptions, and we will respond as quickly as we can putting safety first. But we can't do it all, especially when it comes to the water that's moved into the pipes of your home. To keep the water flowing, and protect your property from water damage due to busted pipes, take the following steps:

  • Note the location of all shut-off valves, so you’re ready to turn off the water quickly if a pipe inside your home breaks. If pipes break, make sure to turn off your water heater, too, to prevent it from pulling water into a pipe that's already leaking or broken.
  • Wrap outdoor faucets and hose bibs in newspapers, rags, or hose big/faucet covers.
  • Open the cupboards under your sinks so pipes get more heat. 
  • Let it drip: If temperatures dip below freezing, leave a slight drip of cold water to prevent water and pipes from freezing. 
  • Help us help you: If you see the ground buckle with water coming up from the street or sidewalk, it could be a main break. Report it to our 24-hour Emergency Line at 503-823-4874.

NOTE: Additional tips outlined in the attached Portland Water Bureau graphics “Hot Tips for a Cold Winter." Content may be used for web or visual news stories by crediting the Portland Water Bureau.

Additional resource: Learn how to prepare for winter weather and other water emergencies on the Regional Water Providers Consortium website. Visit regionalh2o.org and click “Emergency Preparedness."

What about the bubblers?

Bubbler fountains, including the iconic four-bowl Benson Bubblers, can be hazardous during cold weather. As temperatures drop, the water on the fountain can leak on to sidewalks, causing a hazard for sidewalk users. Our bubblers are also a critical drinking water source for people living outside, so we leave a couple bubbler on. Please be extra careful while using or traveling near the three operating bubblers:

  • NE Wheeler & NE Holladay
  • NW 6th & W Burnside
  • NW Everett at the waterfront, south of Steel Bridge (west side of the Willamette River)

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.

Attached Media Files: , , , , , , , , ,

It's Cold: Protect Your Pipes To Protect Your Property And Keep The Water On. (BTW, The Bubblers Are Off.) (Photo) - 12/20/22

The Portland Water Bureau is staffed and ready to respond to weather-related main breaks and service disruptions, and we will respond as quickly as we can putting safety first. But we can't do it all, especially when it comes to the water that's moved into the pipes of your home. To keep the water flowing, and protect your property from water damage due to busted pipes, take the following steps:

  • Note the location of all shut-off valves, so you’re ready to turn off the water quickly if a pipe inside your home breaks. If pipes break, make sure to turn off your water heater, too, to prevent it from pulling water into a pipe that's already leaking or broken.
  • Wrap outdoor faucets and hose bibs in newspapers, rags, or hose big/faucet covers.
  • Open the cupboards under your sinks so pipes get more heat. 
  • Let it drip: If temperatures dip below freezing, leave a slight drip of cold water to prevent water and pipes from freezing. 
  • Help us help you: If you see the ground buckle with water coming up from the street or sidewalk, it could be a main break. Report it to our 24-hour Emergency Line at 503-823-4874.

NOTE: Additional tips outlined in the attached Portland Water Bureau graphics “Hot Tips for a Cold Winter." Content may be used for web or visual news stories by crediting the Portland Water Bureau.

Additional resource: Learn how to prepare for winter weather and other water emergencies on the Regional Water Providers Consortium website. Visit regionalh2o.org and click “Emergency Preparedness."

What about the bubblers?

Bubbler fountains, including the iconic four-bowl Benson Bubblers, can be hazardous during cold weather. As temperatures drop, the water on the fountain can leak on to sidewalks, causing a hazard for sidewalk users. Our bubblers are also a critical drinking water source for people living outside, so we leave a couple bubbler on. Please be extra careful while using or traveling near the three operating bubblers:

  • NE Wheeler & NE Holladay
  • NW 6th & W Burnside
  • NW Everett at the waterfront, south of Steel Bridge (west side of the Willamette River)

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.

Attached Media Files: , , , , , , , , ,