Proactively securing a reliable drinking water future is vital for our region. With a fast-growing population, longer dry seasons, and reduced groundwater supplies, our community needs new solutions. The WWSS is that solution.
The project is owned and operated in partnership by Tualatin Valley Water District and the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton, giving our community local control of this new supply.
Community Benefits
High quality. Delivering clean, high-quality water to customers is our top priority. New infrastructure delivers water that is treated at a state-of-the-art treatment facility using the latest technology.
Ready for growth. Washington County is forecasted to grow more than 30% by 2050. WWSS expands our region’s supply so residents have reliable water as the population grows.
Earthquake resilient. A major earthquake will compromise our drinking water systems. The WWSS infrastructure is built to better withstand a large-scale earthquake and help the region restore water services more quickly once shaking has stopped.
Adaptable. This new supply helps our region more flexibly adapt to future challenges like population growth, drought, shifting water supplies, and natural disasters.
Locally owned. Local ownership means local control. Washington County’s urban water agencies can operate independently to best serve local customers’ needs.
After years of study and analysis, the mid-Willamette River near Wilsonville was identified as the preferred choice for an additional water source. Several water sources were evaluated, including raising the dam at Hagg Lake, constructing new groundwater wells along the Columbia River, and purchasing water from other agencies. Compared to those and other alternatives, the Willamette River was determined to be a high-quality water source that provides the greatest community benefits at the lowest cost.
