Tag: Columbia South Shore Well Field

Infrastructure

Four Weeks of Groundwater Blending Tests

On Tuesday, August 4th, Portland Water Bureau began adding 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 likely seasonal need to supplement the water supply. Repeated activations, lasting around 10 hours, ensure crews can repair any deficient equipment before lowering reservoir levels or an emergency triggers a demand for well water. The Bureau says the mixed water can take up to two weeks to work its way through the distribution system, and they will update the public through the media and email when the system returns to 100 percent Bull Run water.

Aerial view of a solar panel installation on green grass, surrounded by trees and buildings, near a river.
Columbia South Shore Well Field. Courtesy Portland Water Burea

Portland uses groundwater during the drier months to supply ratepayers year-round, regardless of watershed conditions. Wellwater requires a complex system composed of pumps, chemical feed systems, and electronic controls. Because the bureau activates the alternative water source infrequently, service technicians must test equipment and the delivery network regularly to identify maintenance needs and issues. 40 million gallons of groundwater per day will enter the system on weekdays. People can expect the well water to provide between 0 and approximately 35 percent of the total daily water demand during the four-week service window.

In past years, the Portland Water Bureau blended water sources due to dry springs and early summer weather. Warmer weather patterns and increased water use have made well water a necessary component of the regional water supply. This groundwater system test helps beyond seasonal readiness. Although currently not under threat, the 2023 Camp Creek Fire in the Bull Run Watershed illustrated the need to maintain standby water sources for the Portland metro area. Beyond wildfires, stormwater runoff from heavy rains can also cause turbidity, which may justify the temporary use of well field sources. A Bull Run Filtration Project underway seeks to further protect the water source from event disruption by reducing water quality risks posed by fire, natural disasters, or potential disease-causing microorganisms. The City of Portland must begin delivering filtered water by September 30, 2029, to comply with regulatory requirements.

Close-up of the side door of a white truck featuring the 'Portland Water Bureau' logo with the tagline 'From Forest to Faucet', along with a phone number and vehicle number.
Portland Water Bureau mantanace vehicle

Even with filtration, groundwater will likely remain a core component of Portland’s water supply. Columbia South Shore Well Fields tap deep aquifers replenished year-round by rainwater. 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. 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.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Food and Drink, Infrastructure

Groundwater Activated in Response to Turbidity from Heavy Rain

On December 19th, Portland Water Bureau (PWB) announced a complete switch to groundwater from Portland’s Columbia South Shore Well Field in response to higher amounts of organic material suspended in the Bull Run Watershed after this week’s heavy rainstorm. City ratepayers receive water from two primary sources that utility operators can switch between or blend together based on supply and environmental conditions. Groundwater sources are often activated by PWB during the dry summer season, as the Bull Run water supply diminishes in capacity, and they try to extend its availability by mixing the two sources. However, water from wells can take over for Bull Run if that source is threatened by wildfire contamination or by turbidity from excessive rain.

A similar event occurred in November 2022, when a massive rain event increased the flow of streams feeding the Bull Run watershed, contributing to a rapid increase in organic material washed into the supply, which takes time to settle. Almost a million people depend on water supplied by the Water Bureau. Long-term investments have added well-water sources to the City’s water supply, enhancing resiliency against weather-related events. The new Bull Run filtration facility, when it comes online, should reduce the need to switch to groundwater after storms. Federal water quality regulations require PBW to activate the extra water treatment capability by September 2027. The filtration facility will remove sediment, organic material, and other contaminants, including disease-causing microorganisms that could threaten drinking water safety.

The Portland Water Bureau assures residents that the 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. In 2022, that took less than 30 days. 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.

Update December 27, 2025: The Portland Water Bureau reactivated the Bull Run water supply after elevated turbidity from heavy rains subside. It can take up to two weeks for the system to completely clear of groundwater and deliver 100% watershed sourced water. Ratepayers may notice a tea like color in the Bull Run water as harmless fine organic matter continues to settle within the reservoirs post storm.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Infrastructure

Groundwater Blended into Bull Run Supply

Update: On November 6th, the Portland Water Bureau returned to providing 100% Bull Run sourced water to Portlanders. It can take up to two weeks before the blended water works its way through the systems after a transition, depending on location.

Article originally published on October 9th, 2024

On Thursday, October 10th, Portland Water Bureau will add groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field to the city’s Bull Run-sourced drinking water. Officials are making this change primarily due to prolonged dry conditions, warm temperatures, and limited precipitation in weather forecasts. This blending comes two months after a summertime test of well-field equipment.

In past years, around this time, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending its two water sources to ensure adequate supplies until rainwater replenishes the watershed. In some years, this occurs sooner as dry springs and early summer weather can reduce Bull Run’s supply. The October 2023 to April 2024 water year had near-average rainfall and a suitable mountain snowpack that has kept 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. The Water Bureau recently tested its groundwater system for 20 days to ensure pumps, treatment equipment, electronic controls, and other parts were ready for activation.

Columbia South Shore Well Field. Courtesy Portland Water Bureau

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.

by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Infrastructure

An Earlier Addition of Groundwater

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 Field. Courtesy Portland Water Bureau

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.

By

Jacob Loeb

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Infrastructure

Damaged Wells Require Expedited Repair

This month, the Portland City Council approved an estimated $1,885,610 in repairs and upgrades to the Columbia South Shore Well Field. This emergency ordnance will pay Orr Inc. to service two wells in Portland’s critical secondary water source and remain on standby to repair one of two others. Although Bull Run watershed-sourced water serves Portland ratepayers most of the year, the below-ground supply has become increasingly crucial as dry summers and wildfires create a need for a backup water source.

In late August 2023, Production Well 6 failed during the beginning of summertime use, requiring the rehabilitation and replacement of its pump and motor. Similarly, Production Wells 13 and 19 recently suffered mechanical failures, and Portland Water Bureau wants to obtain a spare pump and motor to have ready if a complete pump system replacement is needed. These two wells are the City’s highest-producing groundwater source, representing approximately 22% of the Water Bureau’s well-based capacity. Over the last two years, operators have observed declining performance from Production Well 16’s submersible pump motor. That unit is likely to fail soon and needs servicing or replacement.

The Portland Water Bureau does not maintain a State of Oregon Well Constructor’s License nor possess the equipment to perform the work, requiring Orr’s expertise on this project. This work must occur before the summer water demand requires the activation of the groundwater supply as it has for the last several years. The Water Bureau will pay for this emergency work by replanning existing groundwater system improvement projects or by tapping into contingency funds. These repairs will ensure Portlanders have uninterrupted access to water, even in harsh seasonal conditions.

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Jacob Loeb

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Community, Infrastructure

Rainfall Returns Portland to Bull Run Water

This week, the Portland Water Bureau returned the city to 100-percent Bull Run sourced water. Since August 24th, Portlanders have consumed blended water partially supplied by groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field. In recent years, the utility operator repeatedly activated its secondary groundwater supply to supplement or replace Bull Run drinking water. Dryer conditions in the region have reduced above-ground sources during the warmer months, and extreme weather events cloud the supply by depositing extra organic material into the waterways.

Portland’s groundwater system provides safe drinking water to the region even as the changing climate and expanded demand stress the city’s supply. Without it, this year’s dry spring and extended summer weather could have required rationing efforts or other costly alternatives. This year’s Camp Creek wildfire near the Bull Run watershed further illustrated the need for a protected secondary water system. Despite this fire’s growth to within 1.3 miles of Reservoir 1, Portlanders were never at risk of losing access to drinkable water. The wildfire ultimately did not damage the watershed, and the Bull Run supply remains safe for another year.

It can take up to two weeks for ratepayers to receive 100 percent Bull Run water as the system switches over from the 60 percent groundwater mixture. Portlanders pay for these water security investments through their water bill. The Columbia South Shore Well Field is an example of planning that has paid off in water system resiliency. The Portland Water Bureau is now planning a new filtration facility to maximize the availability of Bull Run sourced water and ensure that the water source remains healthy to use even when some natural contaminants enter the system.

Depending on rainfall and snowpack in 2024, the Portland Water Bureau may need to switch the water system back to using groundwater again. That source is safe for most people and exceeds standards for drinking water. However, 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.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.