September 26, 2016

After years of planning and development, the Portland Water Bureau broke ground today on a new seismically-resilient reservoir at Washington Park.

The Water Bureau supplies drinking water to almost 1 million people in the Portland region. The Washington Park Reservoirs serve over 360,000 people west of the Willamette – including several large hospitals, schools, parks, and the Oregon Zoo.

The existing reservoirs are over 100 years old, and sit on an active landslide as well as a fault-line. To ensure a more resilient and safer system, Water Bureau engineers have designed a fortress-like underground reservoir, ready to withstand the ‘Big One.’

The existing reservoir 4 will be disconnected and a wildlife habitat area, bioswale, and reflecting pool will be constructed in the basin above the reservoir.

The groundbreaking ceremony gave the public a chance to learn more about the new reservoirs, and the City a chance to thank our community partners.

The Water Bureau’s highest priority is to deliver safe, clean, and reliable water to all of its customers, and we are excited to move forward with the project that will strengthen our water system for future generations!

Check out the Water Bureau’s website to keep updated on the project.

Washington Park Reservoir 3	From left to right - Wayne Drinkward, Maurice Henderson, Nick, Commissioner Steve Novick, and Mike Stuhr
Patti Oliver, Thomas Gillman, and Lindsay Wochnick	Nick with Maurice Henderson and Mike Stuhr at the Groundbreaking