PORTLAND, OR — A water main installation project on Northwest Cornell Road between Northwest Skyline Boulevard and the Audubon Society will begin May 22, 2017, and end in early September. Construction work hours are limited to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays to accommodate commuter traffic.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, portions of the westbound lane of Northwest Cornell Road will be closed and flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone. Work zones will be limited to 1000 feet at a time.

The traveling public is reminded to stay alert and use caution while driving through the construction zone. To avoid traffic delays, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around the work site.

UPDATE 05/24/2017 at 12:00 p.m.: Phone service has been fully restored.

A power outage in downtown Portland has inactivated City of Portland phone lines including Portland Water Bureau Customer Service.  Customers who call the 503-823-7770 or any other Water Bureau number will hear a busy signal. 

Customers who need immediate assistance from Portland Water Bureau Customer Service can email questions to pwbcustomerservice@portlandoregon.gov. Customer Service representatives are unable to take phone payments at this time. 

Email the Water Line at WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov  with  questions or concerns on water quality issues. 

In case of a water related emergency, you can email the Water Bureau Dispatch team at dispatch@portlandoregon.gov.

The Water Bureau website will be updated as soon as more information is available. 

Do you want to have a part in overseeing the important work we do?

The Portland Utility Board (PUB) is made up of citizen volunteers that help guide City Council in the management of the Portland Water Bureau and our “sister” agency, the Bureau of Environmental Services.

And City Council is looking for volunteers to join the Board.

What’s involved in PUB service? So glad you asked!

Meetings & Members

The PUB meets monthly to craft advice for City Council on each bureaus’ financial plans, capital improvement projects, public policies, rates, and more.

The board has 11 voting members and 3 ex-officio members. Members are appointed by the mayor, in consultation with the Commissioner-in-Charge.

Recruitment Details

The PUB is currently recruiting members with the expectation of having appointments made before the beginning of July.

A subcommittee will meet near the end of May to review submissions, interview candidates, and make recommendations to the full board at their June meeting.

How to Apply

You can access an application online here.

Your applications, resume, and any additional information to should be sent to:

Melissa Merrell
Principal Financial Analyst
City Budget Office
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Room 1300
Portland, OR 97204

You can also email your completed application to melissa.merrell@portlandoregon.gov.

Questions?

For more information about the Portland Utility Board and what it does, visit the Membership Information and Application page. You may also call (503) 823-1310.

You’re invited to join Friends of Powell Butte Nature Park, Portland Parks and Recreation, and Hands On Greater Portland on Saturday, June 10 to help rebuild and restore Powell Butte Nature Park in Outer Southeast Portland.

Projects include trail work, invasive species removal, fence work, and possibly planting and mulching the native plants that call Powell Butte home.

No experience necessary! Wear sturdy shoes (or rubber boots/waders), long pants and shirts, and bring rain gear, a hat, and water bottle. Instruction, tools, gloves, and small treats will be provided.

When: Saturday, June 10
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Location: Meet at the SE Ellis Street and SE 145th Avenue. Recommended parking is on SE Ellis Street
RSVP: Interested in helping out? RSVP to Hands On Portland

Can’t make this volunteer event? No worries! Volunteers and community partners meet monthly on the second Saturday of each month (except December) to volunteer at the Powell Butte Nature Park. 

Hop on your bike and join us for this year’s 
Cycle the Well Field
A fun, family-friendly event celebrating Portland’s groundwater source

 When: Saturday, June 3, 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 9920 NE Cascades Parkway, in Portland

The Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council invite you to Cycle the Well Field, a bicycle tour of Portland’s groundwater drinking water source.

The Ride

Water Bureau staff will reveal the mysteries of groundwater as you ride through the city’s Groundwater Protection Area. You’ll learn about how groundwater gives the city flexibility and reliability in its water supply, and how you can help protect this important resource. All participants are required to wear helmets.

Length and Difficulty

The ride is about 16 miles long over relatively flat terrain. We take a slow to moderate pace, with multiple stops and a lunch break. While the ride is relatively flat, please consider its length, busy intersections, and possible headwinds. Ages 12 and older are welcome.

Sign Me Up!

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, sign up online or get in touch with Karen Carrillo at 503-281-1132 or by e-mail.