Go ahead, raise a glass, Gresham!

A major milestone is almost here. The City and Rockwood Water People's Utility District are partnering to deliver a safe, reliable and independent water system for the community.

In June, the transition to 100% groundwater will be complete. The expanded system will produce 25 million gallons of clean, refreshing drinking water every day.

"This historic investment will benefit our community for years to come," said Mayor Travis Stovall. "On time and on budget, this project reflects our shared vision to provide water independently and create a future with smaller rate increases, not larger ones."

Why it matters

Water independence means:

• High-quality groundwater year-round.
• Lower long-term rates.
• Shared costs that save money.
• Stronger, earthquake-resistant reservoirs and pipes.
• Local control over water decisions.

Community members who attended this winter's open house were eager to learn more and to take a sip.

"I thought the tap water was tasty, I wanted more," said Heather Coleman-Cox, Gresham-Barlow School Board director.

"It's a smart move," she added. "It gives us control over a natural resource and I'm glad Gresham is doing this."

Santi Baldock, a Mt. Hood Community College student, said he was surprised to learn many regional water providers use groundwater. He also learned groundwater often requires less treatment than surface water.

Above: The Cascade Water Treatment Plant uses a high-tech filtration system, including 120 blue pressure vessels that filter drinking water.

Why groundwater?

Groundwater is a safe, reliable and abundant source in this region. Gresham draws from the deep Sand and Gravel Aquifer, protected by thick layers of clay and silt.

The aquifer has supplied high-quality drinking water to more than 1 million people in the region for decades.

Our water, our future

• Smart financing is saving ratepayers millions. Gresham and Rockwood secured $9 million in grants and federal funding, plus more than $90 million in low-interest federal loans for water infrastructure projects.
• Our new state-of-the-art treatment facility can produce 25 million gallons of water a day, with room to expand as our community grows.
• Gresham's groundwater comes from as deep as 1,400 feet below the surface, where thick layers of earth help protect it naturally.
• We test your drinking water regularly and meet strict standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Our groundwater protection programs are nationally recognized for preventing contamination and protecting water quality.

"We are fortunate with the amount of water flowing beneath us. The Sand and Gravel Aquifer recharges quickly, even when we're drawing the most water at the driest time, " said Mike Whiteley, Water Department Director.

How the water treatment process works

1. Pump: A pump draws groundwater from the Sand and Gravel Aquifer up to the surface.
2. Treat: The water is filtered to remove manganese and a disinfectant is added to the water to ensure it meets state and federal standards.
3. Test: The groundwater is tested regularly for over 300 substances.
4. Tap: Clean, safe water is piped directly to our homes to drink, cook, shower, wash dishes and do laundry.

Delivering safe drinking water is a daily commitment to public service. The system is designed to ensure your water tastes great and meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards.

Read more about the groundwater system expansion or call 503-618-2626.