Gain more insight into this "unruly mega project"
April 27, 2026. KATU.
Portland water rates could double within a decade due to Bull Run Filtration site
"Sam Diaz, with 1000 Friends of Oregon, encouraged councilors to pump the brakes."
April 17, 2026. The Outlook.
Gresham ‘raises glass’ to new groundwater system
"It is touted as an independent, safe source of water that is more affordable due to looming cost increases for wholesale buyers linked to the Bull Run Watershed."
March 21, 2026. The Oregonian.
Portland leaders promised a fiscal watchdog for unruly mega project. They didn't deliver, and costs soared.
"Portlanders, already hit with and facing some of the largest annual utility rate hikes in recent years, are now likely to see their water and sewer bills climb even higher..."
Feb. 19, 2026. Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Portland water filtration project costs increase to $2.6B
"The nearly 1 million people in and around Portland who get their water from the city will likely see their rates rise as a result of mounting costs, although it’s not yet clear how much."
Feb. 19, 2026. KATU.
Portland seeks 2-year deadline extension as Bull Run filtration cost jumps to $2.56B
"Under federal law, water providers have a choice on how to treat their water for cryptosporidium, but the Portland City Council landed on filtration as the preferred method in 2017 over a cheaper alternative of UV lighting."
Feb. 13, 2026. Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Portland wins land use decision over Bull Run filtration plan
"Multnomah County approved Portland’s land use permit for the facility in 2023. Land conservation groups appealed that decision to LUBA, arguing the treatment facility would diminish the state’s inventory of farmable land and greenspace. The project broke ground during that appeals process in 2024."
Oct. 25, 2025. KGW.
Despite misgivings about the cost to ratepayers, Portland City Council OKs progress report on water filtration plant
"The latest five-year plan includes a rate increase of just over 8% each year due to this project. About a third of that rate increase will pay for the facility and pipelines, a third will go to other capital improvements, and a third will make up for cost increases from inflation to maintain current service levels."
TAP into learning about the Bull Run Water Filtration Plant, a multi-billion-dollar endeavor that has been plagued by transparency and accountability issues.
TAP into community actions to promote affordability, accountability, and alternatives that work.