Cty of Gresham Water Company

The Bull Run Watershed serves as Gresham's primary water source, located within Mt. Cover National Forest. This federally-protected watershed is meticulously managed by the Portland Water Bureau to ensure clean water delivery to approximately 25% of Oregon's population.

Annual precipitation averaging 135 inches flows into the Bull Run River and into two reservoirs with a combined capacity of 10 billion gallons. Currently, Bull Run operates as an unfiltered source, though Portland Water Bureau is constructing a filtration facility scheduled for completion by September 2027.

The Columbia South Shore Well Field provides supplementary water from 26 active wells across three aquifers. As Oregon's second-largest water source, it can produce up to 95 million gallons daily, serving as backup during maintenance, turbidity events, or summer demand peaks.

Working collaboratively with Portland and Fairview, Gresham implements preventive measures against hazardous spills that might affect groundwater quality. The Cascade Well Field, jointly managed with Rockwood Water People's Utility District, draws from the Sand and Gravel Aquifer approximately 600 feet underground, primarily supplementing summer supply while helping manage both costs and quality.

1. Does Cty of Gresham test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Cty of Gresham must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
2. Does Cty of Gresham water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
3. Is Cty of Gresham water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.