In response to a dry spring and the early onset of hot weather, Portland's primary water source has been given backup. Starting yesterday, the Portland Water Bureau began mixing groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into the city's distribution system—a move aimed at ensuring the community has an ample water supply until the much-anticipated relief of fall rains, according to the Portland Water Bureau.
Planning for different water supply and demand situations is something the Water Bureau does every year. But this year’s unusually dry season, along with forecasts of continued dry weather, led them to boost the water supply using groundwater. It's common for cities to use underground aquifers when surface water runs low, and the Portland Water Bureau regularly prepares for these natural changes. Interim Director Quisha Light discussed this procedural choreography with the assurance that all possible conditions are considered, saying, "We monitor water levels, weather, and customer use patterns to plan for the summer’s impact on our water supply," as reported by the Portland Water Bureau.
As the metropolitan area awaits the mixing of its two water sources, the Bull Run and the Columbia South Shore Well Field, residents can expect it to take as long as two weeks for the change to reach their taps. The well field, a crucial resource, taps deep aquifers to store rainwater within the Portland Basin and holds the reputation for not only meeting but exceeding federal and state drinking water regulations.
Light stressed the partnership between the community and the bureau, noting that each water bill payment helps maintain the system that delivers clean water every day. "Thanks for your help. Your payments make it possible to deliver safe, clean water every day," she said. People who want to learn more about Portland's groundwater can find details on the Portland Water Bureau’s website.
Meanwhile, the Water Bureau remains in close contact with the media and those particularly sensitive to changes in water quality when there's a shift in the supply. They offer direct notification services to those users through an online registry. If and when they switch back to using 100 percent Bull Run water, or if there are any significant operational changes, a public announcement is guaranteed. For queries, customers can get in touch directly via the Water Bureau's dedicated Water Quality Line.
