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 3 Things You Need to Know about Filtration
Every sip of water connects us to Portland’s Bull Run. For more than 130 years, it has sustained our community with some of the cleanest, best-tasting water in the United States. But the future of that clean water is no longer guaranteed. Climate change and extreme weather are already testing the system, and what worked in the past won’t always protect us tomorrow.
That’s why the Bull Run Filtration Project is investing now to safeguard our water for generations to come. Here are three things you need to know about how the project is protecting this essential resource:
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In 2017, City Council unanimously chose filtration to secure a safe water future—protecting public health and preparing us for the realities of a changing climate.
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With filtration, our water system will be resilient. Even if extreme weather events—like wildfires, landslides, or severe storms—occur in the watershed, we will be better prepared to continue to have safe drinking water for the community.
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The new filtration facility and pipelines will provide our community reliable access to safe water after a natural disaster. Reliable water makes recovery possible—from fighting fires to keeping hospitals open, businesses operating, and families healthy.
Learn more about the powerful benefits of filtration
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Filtration construction update
Our contractors are making the most of clear skies this fall to keep the project moving. Crews are busy pouring concrete for the filtration facility treatment basins and building foundations that are needed to provide water 24/7, 365 days a year.
We are repaving sections of road used as construction traffic haul or detour routes. This will help keep traffic flowing safely as work continues to ramp up this fall.
Over recent weeks, we installed more than 3,200 feet of resilient 66-inch pipes along Dodge Park Boulevard. In October, we will be closing part of Dodge Park Boulevard to safely make two pipeline crossings under the road. This is a key stretch of new seismically resilient pipeline that will help tie the new filtration facility to our existing water conduits.
In September, we also finished installing about 4,000 feet of 6- to 8-inch Pleasant Home Water District (PHWD) water mains. This work benefits PHWD’s customers and makes space in the public right-of-way for our new pipelines. PHWD is one of our long-time wholesale customers and will receive filtered Bull Run water when this project is complete.
To learn more about what’s happening at the construction sites, visit Portland.gov/filtrationconstruction.
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Bull Run Filtration: construction open house
The Water Bureau will host an informal drop-in open house where Bull Run Filtration Project neighbors can chat with representatives of the facility and pipeline construction teams, ask questions, and hear about recent progress and upcoming work. Join us at the time and location that work best for you.
Morning open house (Sandy)
There won't be a formal presentation, so drop by any time between 9 and 10:30 am.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 9-10:30 a.m. (drop in)
Where: Sandy Community/Senior Center, 38348 Pioneer Boulevard, Sandy
Evening open house (Gresham)
There won't be a formal presentation, so drop by any time between 6 and 8 pm.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 6-8 p.m. (drop in)
Where: Multnomah County Grange #71, 30639 SE Bluff Road, Gresham
Can't make the open house? Join us at the next Coffee with the Contractor in November.
Stay up to date on the latest construction activity:
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About the Bull Run Treatment Projects
To comply with federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, the Portland Water Bureau is planning a water filtration facility and related pipelines, and recently completed an improved corrosion control treatment facility. The Bull Run Treatment Projects will provide consistent, high-quality drinking water that meets today’s water quality standards, helps address aging infrastructure concerns and future risks and regulations, and improves system resilience to help keep our water safe and abundant for generations to come.
Learn more at portland.gov/BullRunProjects
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Know someone who would be interested in updates about the Bull Run Treatment Projects?
Please share the news!
The City of Portland is committed to providing meaningful access. To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services, contact 503-823-7432, Relay: 711.
Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या
口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad
Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
Translation and Interpretation: 503-823-7432, Relay: 711
This email was sent from an unmonitored inbox. Please do not reply. Instead, contact us at bullrunprojects@portlandoregon.gov.
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