Portland Water Bureau

The New York Times toured the Bull Run Watershed to visit the recent Camp Creek fire burn while also learning about climate change impacts and hydropower production. The watershed not only acts as Portland’s primary water source; it also houses two powerhouses that can provide enough ongoing power for about 10,000 homes.??? ? A changing climate requires us to adapt our water supply system and hydropower generation. That’s why for over 25 years, we’ve been studying climate resilience and making critical investments to address risks from wildfires, flooding, and other extreme weather events.?? ? Learn how we’re planning for a changing climate, so we can provide water that's safe and abundant for years to come at: portland.gov/water/climate?? ? (And just in case you're wondering, our groundwater use has no impact on Columbia River hydropower production.)? Read the full New York Times at: lnkd.in/gyEGdp85

Do you enjoy using hand and power-operated tools? Do you thrive at troubleshooting problems and working independently? Apply to be our next water meter technician! As a water meter technician, you will inspect, install, repair,?clean,?and test small water meters.?Now’s your chance to join our Customer Service Team. Deadline to apply is 6/17. Learn more at: bit.ly/45e0poX?

Last year there was Barbenheimer. This summer it's all about the 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report. Get to know your drinking water (and the people that work to deliver it) like you've never done before. Coming soon to a mailbox near you. Available online now at: https://lnkd.in/gRUGqs7d.?

Our Bull Run Filtration Pilot Team recently spiked 10,000 gallons of water with 500 pounds of wildfire ash before treating it back to drinking water standards! The experiment was part of a pilot study for our future Bull Run filtration facility. Set to be completed in 2027, the filtration facility will remove organic materials like ash and dirt from our primary water source, Bull Run. This critical investment will allow us to serve Bull Run water during a changing climate as wildfires and flooding become more and more common. Learn about the many benefits the Bull Run filtration facility will bring for our City at: bit.ly/4atpYnI

Congratulations to Portland Water’s Director of Operations Kimberly Gupta for her selection to participate in Duke University’s Water Innovation Leadership Program! Earlier this month, Kim joined 17 other water utility professionals as they kicked off their 6-month leadership curriculum at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. The program empowers water utility leaders from across the country to embrace new practices and implement innovative, equitable solutions to water challenges.?

Are you looking to make a splash in water education? Apply to be a Water Resources Education Assistant! We’re looking for an individual passionate about science and the natural world to support our Education and Cultural Resources Program. Duties include leading hands-on activities with students in the Bull Run Watershed, facilitating classroom activities, and educating the community about our water. Got questions? Attend the virtual meet & greet on Feb. 5. To learn more about the position, visit: bit.ly/3Hw8ava. Application deadline is Feb. 12.?

Are you interested in environmental justice, affordability, or public health? Do you want to be a voice for your community and share your opinions with City officials? Apply to join the Portland Utility Public Board. The Portland Utility Board is a community oversight body advising City Council regarding the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Portland Water Bureau. By serving on the board, you’ll gain knowledge about the inner workings of the Portland Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services; policy and budget decisions related to water, sewer, and utilities; and how City government works. Now’s the time to share your voice around our City’s public utilities policies and budgets. For more info, visit: portland.gov/pub/join-pub. Deadline is Jan. 22.??

2023 was full of major climate events. We’re proud to be a part of the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA), a group of the nation’s largest drinking water providers focused on developing leading practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Learn how we’re addressing a host of various climate change-related issues in the WUCA 2023 Annual Report: bit.ly/3RsFNmk

Apply to be our next water efficiency assistant! Help people understand and effectively manage their water use, from creating educational content to interpreting water use data. Got questions? Attend our virtual meet and greet on Nov. 14. For more details visit: bit.ly/475H7Sw.