Currently the City of Troutdale is experiencing declining yields in several of its water production wells. This, coupled with the hot weather, is causing the City to ask all Troutdale water customers to implement voluntary water conservation measures. At this time there is no need for mandatory water use restrictions; however, if voluntary measures are not adequate to protect the water supply for public safety needs, mandatory water use restrictions may be implemented.
The City gets its water from 6 deep (485 to 615 feet) wells. Water is provided from two aquifers, known hydrologically as the Sand & Gravel Aquifer and the Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer. Due to increasing demand on the water system, the City has drilled a new well (Well #5) in the Cherry Ridge area on Royal Anne Court. Unfortunately, the pump station needed to operate Well #5 has not been constructed and most likely will not be completed and operational for 10 to 12 months.
The City is in the process of implementing an internal ban on irrigating all low priority City-owned properties. As the biggest user of water in the City, we hope our water conservation efforts will lead the way for all water users to join in our efforts to voluntarily conserve as much water as possible.
Listed below are several tips on how to conserve water as well as information on how to receive a free water conservation kit. Please call the Water Division at (503) 674-3300 with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Save W.A.T.E.R. Indoors
Water should never be put down the drain when there
may be another use for it such as watering a house plant,
flower garden, or cleaning.
Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should
be operated only when they are fully loaded. Also, properly
set the water lever for the size of load you are using.
Take shorter showers. Replace your showerheads
with an ultra-low-flow version.
Everyone should verify that their home is leak-free.
Many homes have hidden water leaks such as a faulty
flush valve. You can check by reading your water meter
before and after a two-hour period when no water is being
used. If the meter does not read exactly the same,
there is a leak.
Report all significant water losses (broken pipes,
open hydrants, etc.) to the property owner, or appropriate
local authorities.
Save W.A.T.E.R. Outdoors
Watering your lawn during the evening or early
morning hours will help reduce evaporation. Sprinkler
and drip irrigation systems on timers should also be
used to avoid evaporation losses and to reduce overwatering.
As you wash your vehicle, use a bucket of soapy
water, and rinse using a hose equipped with a self closing
nozzle.
Try cleaning driveways and sidewalks with a broom
instead of the hose.
Everyone should check for leaks in outdoor faucets,
pipes and hoses.
Ready your home for winter. Prevent the creation of
leaks by shutting off and draining water lines to outside
spigots.
Cover your spa or pool to reduce evaporation.
An average size pool left uncovered can lose as much
as 1,000 gallons of water per month.
To our water customers who are now utilizing some of
these conservation methods, these suggestions will only
be good reminders. For those who have been wondering
how they can conserve on their water usage and save
money on their water bill, all we can say is “just give
these suggestions a try and see what you could do.”
The City is offering a free water conservation kit
consisting of a 6-setting hose nozzle with automatic
shut-off, hose repair items, and a rain gauge to any
Troutdale resident just by visiting the Water Division
at the Public Works Shop, at 342 SW 4th Street. One
per customer, and Troutdale residents only, please.
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