Update: On August 20th, the Portland Water Bureau returned to providing 100 percent Bull Run water to Portlanders.
On Thursday, August 1st, Portland Water Bureau added groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field to the city’s Bull Run sourced drinking water. Officials are making this change to test well equipment ahead of a possible seasonal shortfall in the watershed supply. This blending comes nearly a month earlier than last year, and the Bureau says it will update the public through the media and email when the system returns to 100 percent Bull Run water.
In past years, the Portland Water Bureau blended water sources due to dry springs and early summer weather. The October 2023 to April 2024 water year had near-average rainfall and a suitable mountain snowpack that should keep Portland’s watershed supplied for a significant portion of the dry season. However, warmer weather patterns and increased water usage have made well-water sources necessary for the regional water supply. This groundwater system test is required to ensure pumps, treatment equipment, electronic controls, and other parts are in working order.
Columbia South Shore Well Fields tap into deep aquifers filled with rainwater throughout the year. The Bureau assures residents that Portland’s groundwater supply meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. However, the Bureau’s policy is to notify the public when activating groundwater sources so sensitive water users can take precautions. It can take up to two weeks before residents receive blended water. After operators revert to entirely Bull Run-sourced water, customers can expect it to take another two weeks for the lines to clear of groundwater.
Sensitive water users can sign up at the Portland Water Bureau’s website to receive notifications regarding changes to the water system. Customers with questions should call the Water Line at 503-823-7525 and watch for updates to this article when Portland’s water system returns to 100 percent Bull Run watershed-sourced water.
Correction: This article was updated to clarify that Portland is not currently experiencing a Bull Run sourced water shortfall.
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