For after-hour emergencies, such as a sudden change in pressure or a broken waterline, call 503-665-4179 and follow the instructions for service.
UPDATE CRYPTOSPORIDIUM DETECTED IN THE BULL RUN WATERSHED
The Portland Water Bureau received results that water samples collected were positive for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. One Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected from a 50-liter sample of water on collected on Thursday, October 11. The detection was from samples collected from the Bull Run Watershed intake as part of ongoing monitoring for Cryptosporidium. These detections follow other low-level detections from January through March 2017, September through December 2017, and January through April 10, 2018.
The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under the drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by 2027 under a compliance schedule with Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that, at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that a small percentage of the population could experience gastrointestinal illness from Cryptosporidium and advises customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their health care professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Portland Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood Water People’s Utility District, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.
Sampling results are posted to the Bureau’s website at www.portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults. At this time, there is no evidence of an increased public health risk as a result of recent detections of Cryptosporidium. Please call the Bureau’s Water Line at 503-823-7525 if you have questions.
START OR STOP AN EXISTING WATER SERVICE
To start or stop an existing water service, call the District office at (503) 665-4179 or apply in person during business hours. Click on Customer Service for more information.
WHO DO I CALL TO START SEWER SERVICE OR IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SEWER SERVICE?
Rockwood Water does not provide sewer services. To start sewer services, please contact your sewer provider:
- City of Fairview: 503-665-7929
- City of Gresham: 503-618-2373
- City of Portland: 503-823-7770
NEW BILLING OPTION
We are pleased to announce you can receive your bill via email. Click here for more details.
PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
The District offers qualifying low-income customers financial assistance with their water bills. Click here for more information.
REGIONAL WATER PROVIDERS CONSORTIUM
By working collaboratively, the Consortium and its members achieve economies of scale implementing regional programs that save customers money. Read more…
PRIVATE WATER LINE INSURANCE
Some customers occasionally receive mailings for insurance. PLEASE NOTE:
- Customers are normally responsible for water line breaks and repairs on their side of meter.
- Companies offering insurance for private water line repairs are not affiliated with the District.
- Before purchasing, check to see if water lines are covered under your existing homeowners policy.