Sometime between late 2026 and early 2027, the source of your drinking water will change. TVWD will start delivering you high-quality drinking water from the Willamette River through brand-new infrastructure, the Willamette Water Supply System. Your water will remain safe and clean, with 24/7 testing by our water quality experts. This project represents a $1.6B investment in the health and resilience of our region.
Why the change: TVWD has long purchased drinking water from the Portland Water Bureau. By changing to the Willamette River as our primary water source, we will produce our own drinking water, reducing our reliance on outside agencies and allowing more local control over our water service and your water rates.
When is it happening: The change is currently planned to begin as soon as late-2026. However, the exact timing depends on completing construction and starting up the new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant. We will continue to refine the schedule and share updates throughout the summer and fall, before your water supply changes.
Timeline shift: Keen observers may notice the timeline has shifted from mid-2026 to as soon as late-2026. This change reflects updates to our construction and startup schedule. Taking the time to get this right is critical to ensuring the system operates safely, reliably, and delivers high-quality drinking water from day one. While the timeline has been extended, our commitment to safety and finishing this project on budget remains the same.
Prepare for the change!
- Update your contact information: Make sure TVWD has your current phone number, email, and mailing address so you receive timely updates before and during the transition.
- Learn how to flush your pipes: When the new water supply is introduced into the water system, you may notice temporary changes in your water’s taste, smell, or appearance as it mixes with the existing water. Flushing your home plumbing will resolve most issues.
- Stay informed: Watch for updates from TVWD in the months leading up to the transition so you know exactly when changes will occur in your area.
Questions? We’re here to answer your questions. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, email us at CustomerService [at] tvwd.org (CustomerService[at]tvwd[dot]org), or call 503-848-3000.
