Updated Emergency Water Treatment & Distribution Plan available

In fall 2015, the Consortium completed the third update to its Emergency Water Treatment and Distribution Plan.

The plan identifies the resources and strategies that Portland metro area water providers can use to respond rapidly to a significant disruption in drinking water supplies. It also outlines how to request, deploy, operate, demobilize, and maintain the region's more than 10 water treatment and distribution systems.

See other ways the Consortium and its 20 water provider members are working together to ensure that communities across the region have safe reliable drinking water 24/7.

Tualatin increases its storage capacity with new reservoir
 
The City of Tualatin is mid-way through constructing a one million gallon water storage reservoir which, when completed early next summer, will more than double the amount of water available for the southeast Tualatin.
 
Located at the City's Frobase reservoir site, the project also includes installing mechanical mixers in both reservoir tanks. The new mixers will result in improved water quality and ensure that water moves from the tanks and through the distribution system more efficiently.

The project will also allow a higher level of resiliency and system flexibility for the city. The storage reservoir is being built to seismic standards and will allow the City to perform preventive maintenance activities on the reservoirs such as cleaning, inspecting, and painting them. The total cost of the project is about $1,000,000.00.

Tips for preparing your home for icy weather
 
Tis the season for cooler temperatures and potentially icy weather. So, if you haven't already winterized your home, here are some simple tips to get you started: 
  • Know where your emergency water shut off valve is located and how to turn it off. If a pipe bursts inside your home, this valve will turn the water off. Be sure to share this information with other members of your household. (Most shut-off valves are located in the crawl space, basement, garage, or outside the house near the foundation.)   
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If your home does not have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, then you'll need to insulate each spigot with a foam cap or wrap it with another insulating material such as newspaper.
     
  • Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. Hardware or building supply stores will have good pipe wrapping materials available.    
     
  • Have your plumber and water provider's telephone numbers handy in case of emergencies.
Find more ways to prepare your home for icy conditions or broken pipes due to winter weather here.  
Kids learn about Oregon's most valuable liquid asset - water!  
 
Each year, the Consortium provides about 20 school assembly shows to kids throughout the greater Portland metro area.

This year, the Consortium is contracting with Mad Science to perform "Where's the Water, Watson?" The show uses science to highlight the unique and magical attributes of water through hands-on activities and encourages kindergarten-2nd graders to do their part to conserve water.

Looking for something to keep your kiddo busy? The Consortium's " Water and You" activity book's fun-drenched pages are sure to do the trick. (Recommended for kids k-2). Find more fun activities and games for your little ones here.

Accomplishments outlined in Annual Report  
 
Copy of Annual report cover The Consortium recently completed its 2014-15 Annual Report, and it turned out to be another busy year! Here are a few highlights: 

This year, the Consortium is focused on a citizen preparedness campaign, completing an update to the Regional Water Supply Plan, and continuing to cultivate its core conservation and emergency preparedness programs. 

 

Regional Water Providers Consortium
Serving the greater Portland metro area since 1997. 503.823.7528