City of Portland, OR

08/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/21/2026 17:23

Portland Water Bureau returns to 100 percent Bull Run water following routine groundwater maintenance

Label: Press release
On August 4, we activated the Columbia South Shore Well Field for a routine maintenance operation. That operation is now complete, and we are returning to providing 100 percent Bull Run water.
Published
August 21, 2026 3:45 pm

In this article

The Portland Water Bureau is returning to providing 100 percent Bull Run water after completing a routine maintenance operation of the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

The groundwater system includes wells, pumps, treatment systems, electronic controls, and other equipment that require regular operation and maintenance. The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-quality water source that we can use to supplement Bull Run water during summers or replace it during emergencies. Routine maintenance runs allow crews to identify and address issues to ensure groundwater is ready when we need it.

The transition back to Bull Run water happened on August 21, but it can take up to two weeks for customers to receive 100 percent Bull Run water at their taps, depending on their location.

The Portland Water Bureau informs the media and sensitive water users when we activate groundwater or make significant operational changes. Sensitive water users can sign up online to receive direct notifications from the Portland Water Bureau.

Customers with questions should contact the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.

City of Portland, OR published this content on August 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 21, 2026 at 23:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]