Be ready! Find answers on how to prepare for emergencies.
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In case of a broken water pipe, it’s essential for everyone in your household to know how to quickly shut off water to your home by turning off the main shut-off valve to your home. The valve is typically located in the crawl space, basement, garage, or near the foundation of your home. Find step-by-step instructions on the Shutting Off Your Water webpage.
For your safety and to prevent damage, please do not tamper with or attempt to use the shut-off valve at your water meter. This valve is for utility use only.
If you need assistance locating the main shut-off valve to your home or turning off the shut-off valve at your water meter, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance.
If you suspect a leak inside your home, turn off your main water valve immediately to prevent further damage.
For your safety and to prevent damage, please do not tamper with or attempt to use the shut-off valve at your water meter. This valve is for utility use only.
For outdoor leaks or water issues beyond your property, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance.
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Protecting your pipes from freezing is crucial to avoid water service disruptions and costly damage. Find tips to prevent frozen pipes and guidance on what to do if they freeze or break.
Start by turning on all faucets in your home. If some faucets have normal water flow and others do not, the problem is likely a frozen pipe along the line that supplies water to the non-working faucets. If you suspect freezing, take immediate steps to locate and thaw the pipe safely.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, check which faucets aren’t working. Use a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner exhaust to thaw the pipe gently. Never use an open flame.
If you are unable to locate the frozen pipe or if there’s no water at all, contact TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email) for assistance. Be prepared for potential leaks once the pipe thaws and know how to shut off your water.
TVWD can help ensure that water is flowing from your water meter, assist you in locating the main shut-off valve to your home, and turn off the shut-off valve at your water meter.
However, we are unable to repair frozen pipes inside your home or between the water meter and your house. For assistance with internal frozen pipes, contact a plumber.
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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:
- Visiting the Customer Self-Service Portal, or
- Contacting TVWD at (503) 848-3000 or by customerservice [at] TVWD.org (email).
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.