FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

TVWD is committed to keeping you informed during water emergencies, outages, or service interruptions. To ensure we can reach you quickly with important updates or alerts, please take a moment to update your contact information by:

The general rule is to include one gallon of water per person per day in your emergency kit. That assumes about half a gallon for drinking and another half-gallon to meet sanitation and food preparation needs. You may need to include more water in your kit if your household includes people with special needs or if you have pets.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

  • Use food-grade water storage containers: Purchase clean, food-grade water storage containers, such as plastic bottles or tanks, specifically designed for storing water.
  • Keep water in a cool, dark place: Store water in a cool, dark area to prevent contamination and deterioration. Avoid storing water near chemicals or cleaning products.
  • Seal containers tightly: Ensure that the containers are sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
  • Rotate your water supply: Water should be replaced every six months to ensure its freshness. Mark your containers with the date of storage for easy rotation.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

While you can store water in clean, empty bottles or containers, it’s important to make sure the containers are food-safe and thoroughly cleaned before filling them. Avoid using containers that have previously held non-food items, as they may not be safe for storing drinking water.

If you are storing water in commercial bottles or new, clean containers, it’s not necessary to treat the water. However, if you plan to reuse containers or bottles, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly before filling them with tap water. You may also treat the water with unscented liquid chlorine bleach (1/8 teaspoon per gallon) to disinfect it, if necessary.

Visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium Emergency Preparedness page for more information.

The TVWD system is engineered for resilience. Our goal is to minimize service disruptions and restore water supply swiftly whenever interruptions occur. We achieve this through a multi-pronged approach:

  • Enhanced Infrastructure: Investing in robust, modern infrastructure less prone to failures.
  • Diversified Sources: Utilizing the new Willamette Water Supply System, a seismically resilient regional source coming online in 2026, alongside multiple existing water sources.
  • Regional Collaboration: Leveraging interconnections and agreements with neighboring agencies for resource sharing during emergencies.
  • System Redundancy: Implementing backup systems, automated controls, and the ability to reroute water flow within the system.
  • Proactive Preparedness: Conducting regular disaster drills and training to ensure a rapid and effective response to any disruptions.