Portland Transitions To Primary Water Source, The Bull Run Watershed (Photo) - 12/26/25
Secondary groundwater source provided supplemental water supply during heavy turbidity
The Portland Water Bureau has returned to providing 100 percent Bull Run water to Portlanders.
Recent heavy rains caused a rapid increase in turbidity (organic material in the water) in the Bull Run Watershed. Due to this increased turbidity, on December 19 we temporarily turned off the Bull Run water supply and began serving 100 percent groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field.
A return to more seasonal weather has allowed the turbidity to settle, allowing us to resume serving water from our primary water source, the Bull Run Watershed.
It can take up to two weeks for customers to receive 100 percent Bull Run water at their taps, depending on their location. As the turbidity continues to settle, customers may notice a slight tea like color to the Bull Run source. This is a harmless discoloration from fine organic matter in the Bull Run.
Careful management of the groundwater system allowed us to provide clean, safe drinking water to the region despite this year’s heavy rains.
“Extreme weather events are prompting us to invest in water infrastructure like groundwater and filtration that help keep our water clean and safe,” said Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light. “We’re investing in maintenance and improvements today so our community can count on reliable water no matter the weather.”
Water system investments matter
Our ability to reliably provide clean, safe water for future generations depends on sustaining investments in our water system. Customer funding makes it possible for the bureau to tap two sources of clean, reliable water to adapt to a changing environment.
Portland Water is planning a new filtration facility and pipelines to keep our water safe and abundant for the nearly one million people who depend on it today and for future generations.
The new Bull Run filtration facility will be another powerful tool in addressing the potential water quality impacts of extreme weather events. The filtration facility will be able to remove sediment, organic material and other contaminants from our water—enabling the Water Bureau to reliably serve Bull Run water after an event like an extreme storm. It will also remove disease-causing microorganisms from our water to make it even safer.
“We share in the benefits and costs of the critical work to maintain our resilient water system,” Light said. “You fund this critical work every time you pay your water bill.”
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, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. 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.
About the Public Works Service Area
The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.
Access and accommodations
The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.
503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation
Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या
口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad
Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
