Tag: Bull Run

Infrastructure November 29, 2022March 25, 2023

Portland Returns to 100 percent Bull Run Water

Portland’s Water Bureau returned to using water sourced exclusively from the Bull Run watershed last week after switching to the backup groundwater system on November 5th. That change addressed contamination concerns after a massive rain event washed extra organic material into the supply. In October, the utility operators began blending water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field with the City’s Bull Run water supply. Mixing sources became necessary after an unseasonably dry Fall caused reservoir levels to dip excessively.

The Water Bureau’s investment in the redundant groundwater system provided Portlander’s safe drinking water despite two extreme weather events. System operators activated the alternative water supply three times this year. Before the two most recent uses due to weather, staff tapped into the Columbia South Shore water supply last August for annual testing of well and pump equipment.

The early November storms flushed nearly seven billion gallons of water into the Bull Run Reservoirs within 24 hours. That intense water flow picked up a significant amount of organic material as it traveled to the watershed, creating a cloudy mixture in the water referred to as turbidity. Elevated turbidity makes water treatment less effective, and it takes time for the suspended material to settle.

As the Bull Run water moves into the system, people may notice a slight tea-like color in the water. Water Bureau staff say this discoloration is harmless and should clear as the reservoirs refill with new rainfall. The recently reactivated Bull Run water will take up to two weeks to travel to all users, depending on location. Contact the Portland Water Bureau if you have concerns about water quality by emailing wbwaterline@portlandoregon.gov or calling 503-823-7525.

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to please consider becoming a paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Infrastructure November 5, 2022March 25, 2023

Heavy Rainfall Forces Switch to 100% Groundwater

Update November 29th, 2022: Portland Returns to 100 percent Bull Run Water

Friday’s massive rain event increased the output of streams feeding the Bull Run watershed, contributing to a rapid increase in extra organic material suspended in the water. As a precaution, the Portland Water Bureau has switched entirely to groundwater sourced from the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Last month, officials began blending Portland’s two water sources to compensate for low Bull Run water levels caused by dryer-than-normal weather. Now, excess precipitation has caused a complete dependence on underground water sources.

Almost a million people depend on water supplied by the Portland Water Bureau. Long-term investments have added well-water sources to the City’s water supply, creating greater resiliency to weather-related events. As the climate trends towards hotter and dryer patterns, groundwater reserves will become essential to water delivery. However, this investment is also valuable during storm conditions that push silt, debris, or other contaminants into the water system. The new Bull Run filtration facility should reduce the need to switch to groundwater after storms when it comes online in 2027. It will also remove disease-causing microorganisms that sometimes threaten drinking water safety.

The Portland Water Bureau assures residents that Columbia South Shore Well Field water supply meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. However, they make it a policy to notify the public when activating groundwater sources so sensitive water users can take precautions. Ratepayers 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.

Jacob Loeb

Infrastructure October 22, 2022March 25, 2023

Well Water Mixed into Bull Run Supply

Update November 29th, 2022: Portland Returns to 100 percent Bull Run Water

After an unseasonably dry Fall, the Portland Water Bureau began blending water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field with the City’s Bull Run water supply. Although rain has returned to the region and some snowfall has accumulated on the mountain, managers of the water distribution system made the decision to supplement approximately 65 percent of groundwater into the watershed-sourced supply. This change occurred on October 13th and will take up to two weeks to reach all homes and businesses.

The Portland Water Bureau assures residents that Columbia South Shore Well Field water supply meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. However, they make it a policy to notify the public when activating groundwater sources so sensitive water users can take precautions. Portland’s water supply serves almost a million people in the area, utilizing 53 tanks and reservoirs to store water for summer use. As the weather system trends towards hotter and dryer patterns, the Bureau’s investment in groundwater reserves will become an increasing resource in water delivery.

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.