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Rockwood Water PUD is now using Groundwater!

As of March 30, 2026, Rockwood Water has been operating on 100% groundwater supply as part of our transition from surface water. With this change, some customers may notice temporary aesthetic differences in their water, including taste, odor, or slight discoloration.

One of the most noticeable changes is the transition in disinfectant from chloramine to free chlorine, this began on April 27, 2026. As a result, some customers have experienced a stronger chlorine smell or taste in their water. This is a normal part of the transition process and is temporary. The temporary increase in chlorine odor is primarily related to the mixing and stabilization of the previous chloraminated water with the new free chlorine disinfection throughout the distribution system. As the system becomes fully saturated with free chlorine, these odors should gradually subside.

Operationally, Rockwood Water has been actively sampling chlorine residuals throughout the transition to monitor system performance and confirm disinfectant levels across the distribution system. Routine water quality sampling conducted May 5, 2026, indicates that free chlorine residuals are consistent throughout the system. However, we understand that some localized areas, particularly dead-end mains and lower water-use areas, may continue to experience stronger odors until the transition is fully complete and/or additional flushing occurs.

We want to assure customers that:

  • Your water remains safe to drink
  • These changes are aesthetic only and do not pose a health concern
  • Water quality continues to be routinely monitored throughout the system

In addition, system-wide flushing during the transition may temporarily affect water clarity or taste in some areas.

These conditions typically improve over time, especially as the system stabilizes and crews continue targeted flushing in affected areas.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this important transition to groundwater service. If you continue to experience issues, please contact us with your name, service address, and whether the location is a single-family or multi-family unit. Your concern will be forwarded to our Operations Department for further investigation and potential flushing in your area.

Looking to pay your bill?

Additional Payment Options:

Mail

Customers can mail payment to: Rockwood Water People’s Utility District, 19601 NE Halsey Street, Portland, Oregon 97230

In Person

Customers can pay in person by cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or debit card. For your convenience, a payment drop box is located opposite our front entrance – check or money order payments only, please.

Phone

Customers can pay via phone on our automated phone line (888-504-0439) with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check, call 888-504-0439.

Payment Assistance

If you are in need of payment assistance for your bill, please reach out to us. The District offers qualifying low-income customers financial assistance with their water bills. Click here for more information.

Additional Payment & Billing Information:

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.

UPDATE CRYPTOSPORIDIUM DETECTED BY PORTLAND WATER BUREAU* IN THE BULL RUN WATERSHED

Detections from routine monitoring in the Bull Run. Customers do not need to take any additional precautions at this time.

There are 50 liters sampled each day from February 16 to February 19, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in each of the samples collected on February 16 and February 19, and one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 18. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the sample collected on February 17. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on February 12, 2025.

The State has determined that the public does not need to take additional protections at this time. We will begin sampling four times per week until we have at least three weeks without any detections.

Your best source for the latest information on Cryptosporidium detections is here: www.portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults . Customers with further questions regarding water quality can call the Water Line at 503-823-7525.

*The Portland Water does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium but is required to do so under 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. [Insert actions customers should take, and what steps PWB is taking to correct the situation, such as: 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 Centers 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 advises that 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.**

**Water provided by Rockwood Water PUD (District) is usually from the Bull Run Watershed, purchased from the City of Portland. At times, usually in the summer, the District will augment that supply with groundwater from the District’s wells. The City of Portland also draws water from the Columbia Southshore Wellfield to augment the Bull Run supply during emergency situations or to meet high water demands during the summer months.