Six steps to high-quality drinking water
The Willamette Water Supply System is a brand-new drinking water system that will begin serving TVWD customers as early as late-2026 with safe, clean drinking water from a new water source – the mid-Willamette River - for generations. The new supply will give our region the ability to better handle challenges like drought, emergencies, and increasing demands from our region’s growing population.
The heart of the new drinking water system is its state-of-the-art treatment facility. It is designed to provide the highest quality drinking water through a series of six advanced treatment steps that ensure your water will meet or be better than state and federal standards.
Before treatment begins, water will be drawn from the Willamette River in Wilsonville, located 20 miles upstream of Portland. The river is a trusted water source that has safely served multiple Oregon communities, including Eugene, Wilsonville, and Sherwood, for decades.
Step 1. Intake facility. Water will be drawn from the river through an intake in Wilsonville, where fine screens keep out large debris and aquatic life.
Step 2. Sediment removal. Silt, sand, and other contaminants will be removed to make the water clearer and cleaner. Microsand is added to weigh the particles down and help them settle out of the water quickly.
Step 3. Ozone treatment. Ozone bubbles are distributed to kill microorganisms and prepare the water for additional treatment. Ozone is effective at breaking down organics and improves water taste and odor.
Step 4. Filtration. Water will pass through filter beds with deep layers of granular activated carbon and sand. The filters remove organic materials and chemical contaminants as well as the tiny particles that cause cloudiness.
Step 5. UV light disinfection. Ultra-violet (UV) light reactors will use intense light to destroy any remaining microorganisms. This type of disinfection is particularly effective against certain microorganisms (like bacteria and viruses) that can cause disease.
Step 6. Chlorine disinfection. A small, regulated amount of chlorine will be added to protect treated water. This final treatment step prevents the regrowth of microorganisms in the water as it travels through pipelines to your water provider.
Once the six steps are complete, treated water will be delivered to your tap.
We are investing in this system today to protect our water future. Learn more about your new water source and what it means for your community.
