Flush taps for two minutes before resuming regular activity

A “Boil Water Notice” for Portland-area water users has been lifted.

Follow-up testing of drinking water by the Portland Water Bureau have shown no trace of bacterial contamination.

The Portland Water Bureau released a statement Sunday morning recommending that users flush their taps for two minutes or until the water runs cold before using water Sunday morning.

The process will flush any potentially contaminated water from the plumbing.

The Boil Water Notice was issued Saturday in response to two positive tests for E. coli from the Washington Park water reservoir on July 19 and July 20.

Officials said that levels of total coliform and E. coli found in the samples indicated that the water may have been contaminated with animal or human waste.

The notice was sent to water users in Tigard Water Department, the Burlington Water District, Valley View Water District, Palatine Hills Water District, Lake Grove Water District, and West Slope Water District.

“The Portland Water Bureau regrets any inconvenience the boil water notice has caused. While the risk was low, the boil notice was issued to protect the health and safety of drinking water customers,” Water Bureau officials said in a statement.

The Washington Park reservoir has since been drained and Water Bureau officials said it was launching an investigation into the source of contamination. The reservoir may be put back into service once it is determined to be safe.

For more information please visit the City of Portland Water Bureau website. 

Call the Water Line with additional questions of concerns, 503-823-7770.