Portland Water Bureau Begins Routine Groundwater System Activation (Photo) - 08/04/26
PORTLAND, Ore. – As of August 4, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into the City’s drinking water system.
This routine maintenance operation helps ensure the groundwater system continues to be a reliable drinking water source that’s ready when Portland needs it, whether in an emergency or to meet our seasonal supply needs.
The groundwater supply system is a complex network of pumps, treatment systems, electronic controls, and other mechanical parts. Activating this system each year allows the Water Bureau to identify and address maintenance needs, ensuring groundwater equipment is operational and reliable.
“We recognize the importance of planning ahead to make sure our water supply continues to meet our community’s water needs,” said Public Utilities Director Dr. Ting Lu. “This maintenance run will help us prepare for groundwater use should dry summer weather test our supply.”
Customers can expect to receive a blend of Bull Run water and Columbia South Shore Well Field water. It can take up to two weeks for the blended water to make its way through the distribution system to homes and businesses, depending on their locations.
“Portland’s investment in two high-quality drinking water sources is key to a resilient water system,” Director Lu added. “Each time you pay your bill, you invest in that resilience and help make it possible to deliver safe, clean water every minute of every day.”
The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-quality water supply that meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. The well field is supplied by protected aquifers that lie deep underground. Learn more about our groundwater here.
The Portland Water Bureau informs the media and sensitive water users when we activate groundwater or make significant operational changes. We will issue a notification if we make significant changes to the groundwater maintenance operation and when we return to 100 percent Bull Run water. Sensitive water users can sign up online to be directly notified by the Portland Water Bureau.
Customers with questions should call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.
About the Portland Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to about 840,000 people in the Portland area. Portland’s drinking water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With approximately 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
