Portland Water Bureau Returns to Primary Water Source, the Bull Run Watershed

Label: Press release

View full size image of Close up of a Water Bureau employee kneeling in a muddy area and removing a metal cover from a conduit access hole embedded in the ground.

The Bull Run supply was temporarily augmented with groundwater to ensure ample water supply during conduit repair.

Today, the Portland Water Bureau is returning to 100% Bull Run water. A leak on a supply conduit in the Bull Run Watershed required us to supplement the Bull Run supply with groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field. The conduit has been repaired and returned to service, enabling us to fully return to serving water from the Bull Run.

Water Operations Director Kimberly Gupta praised the crews who rapidly responded to identify the cause of the leak and repair it in less than 36 hours.

"They do this kind of work year-around in the middle of the forest, in the middle of the street, in the middle of the night. Next time you reach for a glass of Portland water, make sure to toast the crews who rapidly respond to keep our system running strong."

It can take up to two weeks for customers to receive 100 percent Bull Run water at their taps, depending on their location.

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

Photos: Water Bureau crews repairing conduit leak

A Water Bureau employee pokes around in large puddle in the Bull Run Watershed to investigate the likely location of the leak before excavation begins. Excavation begins. Eureka! The large shoot of water is a result of water pressure inside the conduits and confirms crews were digging in the right spot. Crews work to gain access to the conduit by opening an access hole Crews remove the cover from the conduit access hole so they can access the conduit and repair the leak.