Portland's Municipal Fountains

Most of the Portland Water Bureau's decorative (municipal) fountains operate spring through fall from 6:30 am to 8 pm. If a fountain is not operating during that time period, the Portland Water Bureau is performing maintenance or repairs to the fountain. If repair work is necessary, the bureau restores fountains to full operation as quickly as possible.

Rules to Follow:

• Look but don't drink. The water flowing in decorative fountains is not for drinking. To conserve water, most of these fountains recycle water. The water is chlorinated to a level comparable with swimming pools.

• Safety: Although people enjoy splashing around in the interactive fountains, (Jamison Square, McCoy, Holladay Park, Salmon Street Springs), there are potential dangers for unattended children. Please use caution at all fountains. Slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water, and pools of water require careful attention.

• Aesthetics:The Regional Arts and Culture Council advises the Portland Water Bureau on maintenance of bronze sculptures. The natural aging of unprotected bronze causes the green color (patina) found on some of the bronze sculptures in the fountains.

• Operations: The decorative fountains are turned off during winter months for maintenance and repairs.