Water Quality Alert

The City is receiving calls reporting taste and odor concerns with its drinking water as a result of the recent storm event.  The water has been tested and is safe to drink. 

Due to the high volume of rainwater and debris from the storm, the Forest Grove water treatment plant was taken offline and the Joint Water Commission treatment plant has been the City's source of water.  The storm has stirred up the Tualatin River and the high turbidity is making the water more difficult to clean.  Operators at the Joint Water Commission Treatment Plant are working around the clock to ensure that all water produced meets acceptable drinking water standards.  The extra treatment that is needed to make the water safe to drink also makes the water taste and smell different than what we are accustomed to in Washington County.  The extra treatment has also lowered the water’s pH.   

The City has cleared debris from the watershed intakes and should have the normal water supply from the City's treatment plant resumed by the weekend.  As soon as the water flow settles down again, the extra treatment will no longer be necessary and our drinking water’s taste and smell will return to normal.  Thank you to all our customers for their patience during this time. 

Dated:  December 6, 2007