Portland Water Bureau To Activate Groundwater System (Photo) -07/22/25
Despite warm, dry weather Portland’s two drinking water sources continue to meet community’s needs.
Starting today, Tuesday, July 22, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into the distribution system. The groundwater will supplement Portland’s main drinking water source, the Bull Run Watershed.
Each year, we plan and prepare for a range of possible water supply and demand conditions. Due to this year’s dry spring, early hot weather, and long-term weather forecasts, we'll use groundwater to help provide plenty of water for our community until the return of the fall rains.
“We monitor water levels, weather, and customer use patterns to plan for the summer’s impact on our water supply,” said Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light. “This careful planning ensures we’re ready to meet our region’s water needs now and into the future.”
Customers can expect to receive a blend of water from the Bull Run and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. It can take up to two weeks for the blended water to make its way through the distribution system to homes and businesses.
“With every bill payment, our customers are investing in the resources needed to monitor and maintain our water system,” Light added. “Thanks for your help. Your payments make it possible to deliver safe, clean water 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 deep aquifers that store rainfall in the Portland Basin. 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 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 is part of the City of Portland’s Public Works Service Area and 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.
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.
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
Translation and Interpretation: 503-823-8064
