Portland's Water Pollution Solutions: Strategies And Successes

how does portland oregon reduce water pollution

Portland, Oregon, has implemented several measures to reduce water pollution and ensure access to clean drinking water for its residents. The city's primary water source is the Bull Run Watershed, located within the Mount Hood National Forest. The Portland Water Bureau and the US Forest Service carefully manage this watershed to maintain water quality and protect the drinking water supply for nearly one million people. Portland also has a secondary water source, the Columbia South Shore Well Field, which provides additional drinking water during the summer months or when the primary source is interrupted. The city treats its drinking water to control harmful microorganisms and reduce corrosion, and it regularly tests for contaminants. Portland is also taking steps to address emerging contaminants like PFAS and is investing in filtration facilities to further enhance water quality.

shunwaste

Portland's water system delivers over 30 billion gallons of water to about 1 million people each year

The Portland Water Bureau, established in 1893, has been working tirelessly to ensure that high-quality drinking water is delivered to the taps of Portland residents and the surrounding areas. The water primarily comes from two sources: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

The Bull Run Watershed, located about 26-30 miles east of Portland in the Mount Hood National Forest, is a protected surface water supply that provides most of Portland's drinking water. The watershed receives an abundance of precipitation (around 135 inches of rain and snow) annually, which flows into the Bull Run River and then into two reservoirs capable of storing nearly 10 billion gallons of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau carefully manages this watershed to sustain and supply clean drinking water for nearly one million people.

The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-tech groundwater system with more than 20 active wells located between Portland International Airport and Blue Lake Park. This secondary water source is used to supplement the Bull Run supply during the summer months and temporarily replace it during maintenance, emergencies, or events that affect water turbidity. The well field is an essential component of Portland's water system, helping to ensure a consistent supply of excellent water to Portlanders year-round.

To deliver water to its destination, the Portland Water Bureau conducts thousands of tests annually and operates and maintains the vast network of treatment facilities, reservoirs, pipes, and valves. The bureau's dedicated staff work around the clock to manage and maintain the system, ensuring that high-quality drinking water is continuously available from the sources to the taps.

The water's journey from the source to the tap involves several stops. After leaving the Bull Run Watershed or being treated onsite at the Columbia South Shore Well Field, the water undergoes treatment to control microorganisms that could pose health risks. Qualified treatment operators work tirelessly, every day of the year, to maintain the high quality and safety of the water.

The treated water then moves to the Powell Butte reservoirs, two large, concrete reservoirs buried underground at Powell Butte Nature Park. With its higher elevation, Powell Butte serves as a central hub, using gravity to distribute water across the city's system of reservoirs, tanks, and pipes. Each reservoir at Powell Butte can hold up to 50 million gallons of water, providing a substantial supply that allows for adaptability during unexpected events or fluctuations in water use.

From Powell Butte, water flows to other reservoirs, such as Kelly Butte and Washington Park, and then to a network of smaller storage tanks located throughout the city. These storage tanks play a crucial role in maintaining water pressure and ensuring an adequate supply for firefighting needs. The water then travels through water mains to reach taps in homes and businesses, delivering over 30 billion gallons of water annually to about 1 million people.

The Portland Water Bureau is committed to operating, maintaining, and improving its water system to provide high-quality drinking water to the community it serves. With its complex infrastructure and dedicated staff, the bureau ensures that Portland residents and the surrounding areas have access to a reliable and safe water supply.

shunwaste

The city's water comes from two sources: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field

The city of Portland, Oregon, gets its water from two sources: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

The Bull Run Watershed is Portland's primary water source and is located about 26 to 30 miles east of the city in the Mount Hood National Forest. The watershed is carefully managed by the Portland Water Bureau and the US Forest Service to ensure a clean drinking water supply for nearly one million people. The area typically receives around 135 inches of precipitation annually, which flows into the Bull Run River and then into two reservoirs storing nearly 10 billion gallons of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau treats the water to control microorganisms that could be harmful to human health, such as bacteria and viruses. While the Bull Run Watershed is usually the main source, during periods of high demand in the summer or when there are issues with the water from the watershed, Portland supplements or temporarily replaces it with water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-tech groundwater system located between Portland International Airport and Blue Lake Park. It consists of more than 20 active wells located in three different aquifers. The deep aquifers that provide the primary water supply are naturally protected from pollutants present at the land surface. The cities of Portland, Gresham, and Fairview work collaboratively to safeguard this well field through their respective Groundwater Protection Programs. This involves engaging with residents and businesses in the area to prevent any pollutants from impacting the groundwater source.

To ensure the safety of its drinking water, Portland conducts thousands of tests each year and treats the water in multiple steps. Chlorine is used as a disinfectant against harmful microorganisms, and ammonia is added to stabilize the chlorine and form a longer-lasting disinfectant. Additionally, sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide are added to the Bull Run water, while sodium hydroxide is added to the groundwater, to reduce the corrosion of metals such as lead.

shunwaste

The Portland Water Bureau treats water to control harmful organisms

The Portland Water Bureau is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water to nearly one million people in Portland and the surrounding areas. The Bureau treats water to control harmful organisms that could make people sick. This is achieved through a three-step process:

Firstly, chlorine is used to disinfect the water against organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that kills or inactivates these microorganisms, making the water safe to drink. This step is crucial in maintaining the health of the community.

Secondly, ammonia is added to stabilize the chlorine and form a longer-lasting disinfectant. This ensures that the water remains protected from harmful organisms throughout its journey to people's taps. The combination of chlorine and ammonia provides an effective and prolonged disinfection effect.

Thirdly, sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide are added to Bull Run water, and sodium hydroxide is added to groundwater. These chemicals work to reduce the corrosion of metals such as lead. By minimizing corrosion, the treatment process helps to maintain the integrity of the water infrastructure and prevent the release of metal contaminants into the water supply.

While the Portland Water Bureau regularly tests Bull Run water for microorganisms, it is important to note that they do not currently treat for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium is a potentially disease-causing microorganism found in freshwater ecosystems. To address this, Portland is taking proactive steps by installing a filtration plant to remove Cryptosporidium and other contaminants from the drinking water by September 2027. This filtration system will enhance the treatment process and further safeguard the health of the community.

In addition to these treatment measures, the Portland Water Bureau also conducts thousands of tests on their water every year to ensure the water system is effectively maintaining water safety. The Bureau's qualified treatment operators work around the clock to maintain the high quality of the water and protect the health of Portland residents and the surrounding communities.

shunwaste

The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-tech groundwater system with over 20 active wells

Portland, Oregon, has implemented several measures to reduce water pollution and ensure a reliable and safe drinking water supply. One of the key strategies is the utilisation of groundwater sources, including the Columbia South Shore Well Field (CSSWF).

The well field has more than 20 wells housed in concrete underground vaults. This high-tech system tracks aquifer water levels and stands ready to supply water when needed. Each well extracts water from one of the three aquifers at varying depths and, when activated, pumps the water to the central Groundwater Pump Station. From there, huge pumps push the water uphill for five miles to the underground reservoirs at Powell Butte, where it is blended with water from Bull Run.

The Columbia South Shore Well Field plays a crucial role in maintaining the resilience of Portland's water system. It serves as an emergency backup and a seasonal augmentation source, providing clean water during the dry season and temporarily replacing the Bull Run supply during maintenance, turbidity events, or unforeseen circumstances. The well field can deliver 80 to 100 million gallons of drinking water per day, ensuring that Portland residents have access to excellent water year-round, even during high-demand summer months.

To protect the well field from potential contamination, Portland has implemented the Groundwater Protection Program. This program works with businesses and residents in the area to prevent chemical spills and manage the use and storage of chemicals that could seep into the ground and pollute the drinking water source. The city has also adopted a well-field protection plan and expanded the protection area boundary to safeguard against industrial pollutants and legacy groundwater contamination sites.

shunwaste

Portland's Groundwater Protection Program works with residents and businesses to protect the well field from pollutants

Portland's Groundwater Protection Program is a collaborative effort between the cities of Portland, Gresham, and Fairview to safeguard the Columbia South Shore Well Field, a vital source of drinking water for nearly one million Oregonians. The program focuses on preventing chemical spills that could contaminate the groundwater and ensuring that businesses within the wellhead protection area follow regulations to minimize risks to the groundwater source.

The program's regulations target businesses that use specific types and amounts of chemicals, with a particular emphasis on spill prevention, containment, and best management practices. For instance, businesses must adhere to chemical storage guidelines, provide annual reports on their chemical usage, and train their employees on handling hazardous materials. The program also encourages cooperation from everyone living and working in the protection area, recognizing that pollution prevention is a cost-effective approach to safeguarding their precious groundwater resources.

The protection area boundary is carefully determined using advanced computer modeling, which estimates groundwater movement over a 30-year time frame. This ensures that any potential contaminants within the boundary will not reach the drinking water wells within that period. Additionally, the Portland Water Bureau maintains an extensive monitoring well network to detect any potential threats to the city's drinking water supply.

The Groundwater Protection Program also provides resources and support to regulated businesses. Through a partnership with the Columbia Corridor Association (CCA), free technical assistance is offered to help businesses assess their compliance and plan necessary adjustments. Educational materials are developed, workshops are hosted, and additional technical assistance is provided to ensure businesses can meet the program's requirements.

By working closely with residents and businesses, Portland's Groundwater Protection Program proactively safeguards the well field from pollutants, ensuring that the city's groundwater supply remains protected for the long term. This collaborative effort reflects the city's commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water to its residents and the surrounding communities.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment