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The City of Portland, Oregon

Nick Fish (In Memoriam)

City of Portland Commissioner

phone: 503-823-3589

Email: nick@portlandoregon.gov

1221 S.W. 4th, Room 240, Portland, OR 97204

Fall colors in the water

November 5, 2014

You may notice slight color changes in your drinking water. Don’t panic! It’s normal - and harmless. 

Heavy fall rains cause tannins (natural organic materials) to wash into streams that feed the Bull Run Watershed. Tannins do not change the quality of water, just the color. 

The Bull Run provides some of the world’s best drinking water.  Because it’s so high in quality, we do not need to heavily filter and treat our water – so the fall colors may show up in your faucet. 

The Portland Water Bureau closely monitors our water systems.  It ensures that it meets all state and federal quality and safety regulations – providing you with the best water possible.

Check out the Portland Water Bureau’s website for more information.