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News Release

Traffic Advisory: SW Main Street To Close Between SW 3rd And 4th Avenues As Work Begins On The Thompson Elk (Photo) -07/03/25

Beginning Monday, July 7, expect road closures on SW Main Street between SW 3rd and SW 4th Avenues. Construction to prepare for the return of the Thompson Elk statue will close SW Main Street from Lownsdale Square to Chapman Square. Closures will last through winter.

Plan ahead for the road closure:

  • Westbound traffic from the Hawthorne Bridge will follow traffic signs and flaggers around the closure area.
  • Detour routes will change as work progresses.
  • Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area.
  • Stay alert and be prepared for traffic to suddenly slow or stop.  

The Water Bureau is proud to repair the historic Thompson Elk Fountain and return the iconic statue to its original location on SW Main Street. The elk statue has been a site of political expression since the city’s early marches for women’s suffrage, most recently serving as a backdrop for protests against racial inequities in 2020. The elk continues to bring the environment to the foreground as a symbol of the city’s lost wildlife.

The Regional Arts and Culture Council removed the bronze elk statue from its perch and salvaged the remaining undamaged stonework in July 2020, after fires set in its base posed a risk of toppling the structure. 

Construction activities will:

  • Restore, rehabilitate, and reinstall the fountain in its original location
  • Comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
  • Increase the seismic stability of the Thompson Elk statue
  • Retrofit the fountain with a recirculating water system

Learn more about the Water Bureau’s efforts to restore the fountain here.

Sign up for project updates here.  

 

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau 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, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

Bull Run Filtration Project To Resume Construction -06/25/25

Multnomah County hearings decision upholds previous land use approval

A recent Multnomah County land use decision puts the City of Portland on track to restart construction of the Bull Run Filtration facility as soon as possible, ending costly delays for a project critical for the region’s economy and public health.

On Monday, June 23, Multnomah County posted the hearings officer’s decision reapproving the Portland Water Bureau’s earlier land use approval to build a drinking water filtration facility and pipelines in East Multnomah County. The decision will be final when mailed to interested parties.    

“With the Multnomah County hearings officer’s approval now in place, we can move forward with one of the most important infrastructure projects for the future of our region: the water filtration facility and the pipelines to carry clean and safe drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed in East Multnomah County to communities throughout the region,” said Mayor Keith Wilson.

“This decision allows us to move forward to protect public health, and to provide resilience to wildfires, landslides, flooding, and other natural disasters,” Mayor Wilson said. “The city is eager to put hundreds of construction tradespeople back to work to complete these critical water system improvements.”

Road to reapproval

In November 2023, Multnomah County and Clackamas County approved the Water Bureau’s land use applications for the filtration facility and pipelines, allowing the project to move forward into the construction phase. The Multnomah County decision was appealed to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) by project opponents. In January 2025, LUBA remanded (sent back to Multnomah County) only one item that related to the County’s definition of the term “natural resources.”

In April, Multnomah County held a public hearing over whether the project would adversely affect natural resources. The comprehensive public land use process provided Portland Water Bureau and project opponents multiple opportunities to be heard, resulting in extensive written and public comments. 

This week’s decision considers natural resources and concludes the project will “not adversely affect any category of natural resources”—and therefore can proceed. The decision also established nine new or revised conditions that will further protect and improve wildlife habitat and provide water quality improvements to Johnson Creek.    

“This is a critical milestone for a coordinated effort spanning multiple jurisdictions and community partners,” said Deputy City Administrator for Public Works Priya Dhanapal. “The extensive Multnomah County public land use process provided the project opponents with multiple full and fair opportunities to be heard. The Multnomah County hearings officer reviewed their considerable testimony related to natural resources and still found that the key criterion for our project was met.”

With the reapproval of the land use permits, Portland will put hundreds of construction professionals back to work to complete these critical water system improvements. Work is expected to resume Monday morning.

“This decision further confirms that this is the right place and right time for the project,” DCA Dhanapal said. “I’m especially grateful to the staff who have navigated complex legal, regulatory, and operational challenges to bring us to this point. With this filtration project, we will meet a critical need to protect public health and support a thriving regional economy.” 

Real costs of delay

Portland is under a regulatory deadline of September 2027 to bring filtration online to protect vulnerable drinking water users. The recent delay in the land use approval process has been costly for the project and customers. Even more important, the temporary pause in construction placed at risk the nearly one million people who rely on safe, reliable drinking water.

Filtration is a widely used treatment method by water utilities nationwide. It is an essential part of a water system that will protect public health and support a thriving economy. The City can now resume building a filtration facility that can remove potential water contaminants—those that are known and those that might arise in the future.

Filtration benefits include:

  • Protecting public health with proven technology to remove Cryptosporidium and other contaminants that can make people sick, meeting mandatory state and federal requirements.  
  • Safeguarding against wildfires, landslides, flooding, and other natural disasters so the City can safely serve Bull Run water during and after any of these events.  
  • Providing earthquake resilience with facilities and pipelines built to the latest seismic standards to help ensure water will be available soon after a large earthquake.  
  • Reducing cancer-causing disinfection byproducts by removing organic materials that lead to their formation.  

“The Bull Run Filtration project is a critical investment in Portland’s future. With the Multnomah County hearings officer’s approval, we can move forward with delivering the safe, reliable water our community deserves,” said Interim Water Bureau Director Quisha Light. “This project protects public health, meets federal and state drinking water standards, and lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient water system. Now, we can get back to work—managing costs carefully, meeting our regulatory commitments, and completing the vital improvements Portlanders are counting on, now and well into the future.”

Read more about the project timeline, construction updates, and neighborhood outreach here.

Visit the Multnomah County website for more information about the project land use process.

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 pipes. 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, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. 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

Traffic Advisory: Expect Heavy Traffic Around Washington Park On Saturday, June 14 (Photo) -06/13/25

Drivers advised to use public transit, bikes or ride share alternatives to travel to and from the event.

 

Tichner Drive remains closed during the event.

PORTLAND, OR – Planning to attend the sneak peek of the Washington Park reservoir on Saturday, June 14? Plan ahead. Road closures in the area and limited parking will make visits easiest by bus, train, shuttle and bike.

The SW Tichner Drive entrance to Washington Park remains closed to motor vehicle traffic between W Burnside and SW Kingston Ave due to a landslide. This means there will be heavier than usual traffic at the Park Place entrance to the event.

Everyone is encouraged to travel by public transit, bike or rideshare. Here are the easiest options:

  •  TriMet Trip Option #1: MAX + Free Shuttle Loop. Hop on the MAX Red or Blue Line and ride to Washington Park Station. From there, the Washington Park Free Shuttle takes you right to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop, just steps from the celebration at the Reservoir. Pro tip: Park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride like Sunset Transit Center (600+ free parking spots), then ride one stop on MAX to Washington Park Station.
  •  TriMet Trip Option #2: MAX + Trail Walk. Take the MAX to Goose Hollow and walk the Madison Street Trail into Washington Park. It’s a peaceful, 20-minute uphill walk that leads straight to the Reservoir site.
  •  TriMet Trip Option #3: Direct Bus from Downtown. Ride TriMet Line 63 from Pioneer Courthouse Square for a direct trip to the park. Buses drop off at the Park Place Entrance and the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden, and they depart hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • TriMet Trip Option #4: Bus + Trail Walk. Catch Lines 15 or 20 to NW 23rd & Burnside, then enjoy a one mile walk through the Park’s winding paths to the Reservoir. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

The public is invited to join the City of Portland’s Public Works Service Area as we unveil the yearslong restoration of the Washington Park Reservoir. This once-in-a-generation project provides a seismically resilient water supply for 360,000 westside water users and a beautiful new reflecting pool and plaza for the entire community to enjoy.

Learn about project benefits from elected officials and stay for tours of the new plaza’s educational elements and historic features. Tours are available to members of the public and the media. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds and explore the city’s newest attraction before it is officially open to the public.

When:             Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
 

Where:            Washington Park Upper Reflecting Pool and Main Plaza

More details about the celebration are available on our website here: Washington Park Reservoir Sneak Peek | Portland.gov

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau 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 pipes. 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, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

Portland’s 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report Shows Top Marks -06/12/25

The Portland Water Bureau continues to deliver clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers, according to our annual water quality report. And here’s how we know: We conduct more than 11,000 tests per year to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to people’s taps.

Every year, the Portland Water Bureau issues the Drinking Water Quality Report to explain what’s in your water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing to your tap.

"We have some of the best drinking water in the world,” said Interim Portland Water Bureau Director Quisha Light. “And that’s thanks to decades of careful planning and ongoing investment in projects designed to keep our water safe and accessible.”

Read the online report to:

  • Learn about your drinking water and our work to keep it safe
  • Get answers to common drinking water quality questions
  • Find updates on treatment improvements to your drinking water

How to read the report

As early as Wednesday, June 11, Portlanders will receive a flyer in the mail with an easy-to-scan QR code and web address that will take them to the full Portland Water Bureau 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report on the City of Portland website.

The report is accessible for people who use screen readers and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You can request a paper copy online or by phone at 503-823-9444. To request translations in additional languages or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 503-823-7525 (Relay: 711). Interpretation services available.

Public health is our top priority.

Portland’s drinking water is tested and safe, every step of the way. This starts with our two high-quality sources, which are the two largest drinking water sources in the state: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Water Bureau staff test water from many locations around our water system, including our water sources, our treatment facilities, and around town.

This report includes test results for all known health-related contaminants detected in 2024. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water. We are proud to share that we tested for 29 types of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in 2024 and did not detect PFAS in our drinking water.

The report also makes it easy for you to get updates on our excellent water sources, wise water system investments, and your drinking water.

Questions? Email WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.

Investing to maintain reliable service

We are investing in system resilience, in part by bringing a new Bull Run Treatment filtration facility online. We achieved an important project milestone and started construction of the new water filtration facility and pipelines last year. A project this size takes multiple years to build, and keeping our momentum through construction is critical to having these water system improvements in place by September 2027.

“We continue to replace aging pipes, pumps, and valves to keep delivering reliable, safe drinking water,” said Light. “We are also committed to evolving our operations to respond to climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.”

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost one million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipes. 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. 

Reminder: Join Us This Saturday For A Sneak Peek Of The Iconic New Washington Park Reservoir (Photo) -06/11/25

Portlanders are welcomed for a one-day first look at the newly restored Washington Park Reservoir from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. The new park space includes two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat area, public walking paths, and restored historic features. This “sneak peek” event will feature activities for families, festivities, tours, and a community outreach fair.

While the full public opening is still to come, this event is a celebration of the amazing progress we’ve made and a chance to experience the future of this unique site. Work is still underway to complete certain elements of the reflecting pools, promenade, and surrounding areas. Because the site remains an active construction area, it is not yet ready for permanent public access.

The Water Bureau and our partners will alert the public when we set a date for the permanent opening of the park. Our top priority is ensuring that when we do open fully, the site meets the highest standards of safety, quality, accessibility, and sustainability.

We know how much Portlanders are looking forward to this event — and we have so much to celebrate! Portland Water Bureau, Hoffman Construction, Explore Washington Park, and our many event partners have prepared the site for this first-look celebration on Saturday, June 14.

“This weekend, we are celebrating a once-in-a-generation investment that will serve Portland for decades to come,” said Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal. “We have transformed a vulnerable site into a resilient reservoir already delivering safe, reliable drinking water to more than 360,000 people on the west side—including schools, hospitals, and businesses. We are also completing a stunning public plaza with a promenade, reflecting pools, and restored historic features. I am thrilled our community gets this first look at what will become one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces."

View our media kit with time-lapse construction footage and recorded statements from DCA Dhanapal and Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light here.

Be one of the first to see this modern engineering marvel, but make sure to plan ahead!

Details on event and the best ways to get there are on the event web page.

Getting there could be challenging! Parking lots will fill by 10 a.m. and street parking near the site is extremely limited, so take TriMet instead. Washington Park is easy to get to via MAX or bus. The reservoir plaza is steps away from the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop on the free Washington Park shuttle loop. Plan your trip with Explore Washington Park’s handy guide.
 

What’s so special about this reservoir?

The Water Bureau has replaced its original 1894 reservoirs with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir. While the opening of the reflecting pools and promenade is delayed by a few months, this earthquake-resilient reservoir is already supplying water to Portland’s west side and serves more than 360,000 people, including all downtown businesses and residents, 20 schools, five hospital complexes, and more than 60 parks.
 

As the City prepared to celebrate the long-anticipated opening of the Washington Park Reservoir site, construction and operational teams identified a number of remaining items that need attention before the site can be safely and permanently opened to the public. While disappointing, these discoveries are not uncommon during final project startup and testing for infrastructure of this size and complexity. The final to-do list includes construction-related pedestrian hazards, necessary safety signage, and non-operational elements like the hypochlorite system and reflecting pool pumps.

Following the June 14 celebration event, the site will close to the public while the City and its construction partners complete the remaining tasks for permanent public access.

We have not set a confirmed grand opening date. Our priority is to complete the work thoroughly and safely. 

We’ll continue to share information as it becomes available on our Washington Park Reservoir project web page and by email. Click here to sign up for news about Washington Park.

 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

 

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 pipes. 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. 

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. Please reply to this email or call the Oregon Relay Service: 711 with requests or 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