January 6, 2015

Portland has a valuable resource right beneath our feet – groundwater!

Groundwater is found in underground aquifers.  Portland’s groundwater comes from the Columbia South Shore Well Field Groundwater Aquifers, along the Columbia River. 

The well field is capable of producing nearly 100 million gallons of quality water per day!

The reserve is important because it’s our emergency water source.  During the hot summer months, or during winter storms, water from the well field is sometimes blended with water from the Bull Run Watershed, Portland’s main supply of water. 

Portland is fortunate to have some of the best drinking water in the world.  Among the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia Shore Well Field Groundwater Aquifers, we have billions of gallons of quality drinking water. Our water system serves nearly a quarter of our state’s population.

Visit the Portland Water Bureau’s website for more information.