Large Main Break Causes Discolored Water In West Portland -10/05/24
PORTLAND, OR – Portland Water Bureau crews are on the scene of a large main break that occurred around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 near N.W. 29th/31st and N.W. Yeon. The break caused discolored water throughout Northwest Portland and parts of Southwest Portland.
Maintenance and Construction Director Ty Kovatch will share a quick update on the main break and answer questions during a 20 min. media availability at 2:30 p.m. over zoom. Details below.
“Your public health and access to your drinking water are our top priorities. Water main breaks can’t be predicted – one of the challenges of underground infrastructure – but we know that they can cause significant difficulties for our community members, especially our small businesses,” said Water Bureau Director Edward Campbell. “Our skilled crews work around the clock 365 days a year. Rest assured, they’re working hard to get fresh water back to Portlanders taps as soon as possible.”
Crews are on the scene, working to repair the main as quickly as possible. About 15 properties are without water service. A precautionary boil water notice is being delivered only to those properties.
While a small number of properties are out of water, the break caused discoloration experienced by many properties throughout Northwest Portland and some of Southwest Portland. The discoloration is caused by a fine, organic sediment that is always present in our pipes that was temporarily stirred up by the main break. The water is treated, and no boil water notice is being issued for those experiencing the discolored water. However, discolored water is not the quality of water the Portland Water Bureau prefers to serve. If you’re experiencing discolored water at your property, rely on your emergency water supply or bottled water until the water runs clear. Here are tips on what to do if you’re experiencing discolored water.
Traffic
There are no significant traffic impacts at this time. Due to the large size of the main, 16 inches, it could take many hours to repair. Crews are working to determine the extent of the damage and the duration of the repair. The bureau will issue traffic advisories and update on X/twitter (@portlandwater) if there are significant changes.
Zoom Media Briefing
Topic: NW Portland Main Break Media Availability
Time: Oct 5, 2024, 02:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 819 6090 2654
Passcode: 468481
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ke68HaFAV
Visit this page for more information on how we repair main breaks.