Water Quality Update
May 23, 2017
This morning, Commissioner Fish shared the following message with his Council colleagues:
Dear Colleagues,
I write to update you on an important water quality issue.
Last Friday, the Water Bureau received a letter from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) revoking the City’s variance to treat for cryptosporidium in the Bull Run Watershed, effective September 22, 2017.
In 2012, Portland became the only water utility in the country to receive a 10-year variance to the required treatment under LT2 (Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule). The variance is structured like a last-chance agreement, and is subject to stringent testing requirements. The OHA action follows this past winter’s positive tests for cryptosporidium.
I want to be clear that the Portland Water Bureau has been, and remains, in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and that Bull Run water is safe to drink.
In response to OHA’s action, I have directed the bureau to brief the Council on treatment options at a work session on June 27.
We are coordinating all media requests concerning this issue. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or Mike if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Nick Fish
Encl: OHA Order dated May 19, 2017