While perusing the internet for a new water bottle, I came across KOR'S Hydration Vessel and promptly fell madly in love with it. I had to have it. Stat! My parents were kind enough to send it to me for my (THIRTIETH!) birthday. (Thanks, Dad!)

Everywhere I go I get compliments on it... though my husband thinks that it's ridiculous that it is called a Hydration Vessel. "It's just a WATER BOTTLE!" he asserts. To which I reply, "WhatEVER. It is sooooo much cooler than just a WATER BOTTLE!" And it is-- this baby is BPA-free, comes in cool colors, holds 25 ounces of hydration AND it's tres chic. And you all know that I like tres chic.

Anyway, while at OPB yesterday morning, Online Host David Miller commented on how cool he thought it was. (Thanks, David!) And later that afternoon, On-Air Host, Emily Harris, tweeted us a thank you and "...nice to see your cool water bottle!" So, I tweeted them back the link to the KOR Web site.. just in case they might want to buy one for themselves, you see.

This morning, @koradvocate, having noticed the convo, tweeted us back a $5 off KOR Hydration Vessel coupon code which I will now share with you... KWS-12330. Here's the link where you can buy online.

Now, already having my own Hydration Vessel, I don't need to buy another, so I haven't tested it out. But, if anyone tries it and gets good (or bad) results, let us know by commenting back!

Enjoy!

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

We've dabbled in the concept of a water footprint (water use that includes both direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer) on the Water Blog before, but seeing a huge list of how much water is expended to produce such everyday objects... objects that we all need, use or rely on in our daily lives... was really powerful for me:

• 1 cup of coffee = 37 gallons of water
• 2.2 lbs of beef = 4, 226 gallons of water
• 2.2 lbs of corn = 237 gallons of water
• 4 cups of milk = 264 gallons of water
• 2.2 lbs of rice = 792 gallons of water
• 2.2 lbs of wheat = 356 gallons of water
• 1 gallon of paint = 13 gallons of water
• 1 individual bottled water = 1.85 gallons of water are used to manufacture the plastic for the bottle in the average commercial bottle of water
• One ton of steel = 62,000 gallons of water
• One ton of cement = 1,360 gallons
• One pound of . . . wool = 101 gallons of water ...cotton = 101 gallons ...plastic = 24 gallons ...synthetic rubber = 55 gallons
• 1 car = an estimated 39,090 gallons of water
• 1 pair of jeans = around 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of regular blue jeans
• 1 cotton t-shirt = 400 gallons of water to grow the cotton required for an ordinary cotton shirt
• 1 single board of lumber = 5.4 gallons of water are used to grow enough wood for one lumber board
• 1 barrel of beer = In order to process a single barrel of beer (32 gallons of booze), 1,500 gallons of water

So, the big question is... How do we deal with a water footprint? What are solutions to lessening one's water footprint? What ideas do you have?

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

According to the September 2009 issue of Real Simple magazine, a fantabulous way to save money on your water bill is to wash your clothes in cold water. In fact, the magazine quotes Adam Gottlieb of the California Energy Commission in saying that, "Up to 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes comes from heating the water..." He suggests using hot water to launder only very dirty clothes.

Another idea is to launder your clothes only when they truly, truly, truly need it; think stinky pits and/or stains..(they don't necessarily need it every time you wear them). European women are known to air their clothes out to freshen them up, outside and away from the sun, the day after wearing them. 

Abstaining from washing your clothes every time you wear them is not only water conservative and money-saving, but it also extends the life of your fabrics, according to Allure, who snagged that little tidbit from Chris Paulocik, conservator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

As most of you are well aware, we're pretty water conservation minded (in fact, PWB customers can order free conservation devices here) around here at the Water Bureau.

And with that very subject on my mind, I found two cool, water conservation-minded products this weekend that I thought I should share with you all:

1) Stack & Grow Planters: These vertical planters stack on top of one another and then drain water through each level of plants to the bottom plants, thus reducing the amount of wasted water that occurs when watering your plants and helping to make sure that each plant gets the amount of water it needs.

2) Hughie Sink: This fairly inexpensive portable sink fits into a standard kitchen sink and allows you to collect extra tap water from activities like rinsing fruits and veggies. You can then carry that water off to use elsewhere such as when watering your plants. Hughie even comes with two handles to make carrying it convenient and a pluggable drain to make draining the water super easy! While Hughie is Austalian by make, you can purchase one online at GreenDepot.

And while we can, in no way, endorse any of these products, because heck, I haven't even tried them out yet, I thought you should all be aware they're out there!

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

A co-worker sent me an interesting article last week about a new concept that PNC Financial Services Group is planning to run with at its Pittsburgh, PA headquarter location; a Green Living Wall.

Measuring in at 2,380 square feet, PNC's green wall will be the largest in North America and will provide shade to surrounding sidewalks, absorb sound and cool the surface of the building's south wall by 70 to 80 degrees.

And all that plant life will require a ton of water right? WRONG! It is expected that the wall will need just 15 minutes of watering each week from an internal controlled irrigation system.

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

GOOD Magazine recently reported that astronauts are drinking a different kind of water this time around... no, not bottled water... not energy water, but recycled water.... recycled URINE water.

Amazingly, the Internationals Space Station's new Water Recovery System, creates a day's worth of water from liquid wastes like urine, sweat and exhaled air. It can also filter and clean leftover water from bathing or food preparation. 

NASA thinks it will reduce the $12 million per year it loses when supplying water to the space station. It also doubles the number of full-time crew who can be on board the ship. (From 3 to 6 people) In an article last year in Universe Today, NASA claimed that the water would actually be cleaner than U.S. tap water!

Jennie Day-Burget

PIO

Last month, the U.S. Global Change Research Program issued a State of Knowledge Report on how global warming will unfold in our country over the next century... and it's a little grim, friends.

The report said that, "Climate change has already altered, and will continue to alter, the water cycle,

affecting where, when, and how much water is available for all uses."

It also said that "unprecedented changes in the water cycle and distribution will lead to increased competition for water supplies in the country."

The document is the collaborative effort of 13 U.S. agencies and used the most up-to-date scientific data to create its findings.

Other highlights:

• more common and intense floods, droughts and rainfall will occur, caused by seasonal precipitation pattern changes
• less snow and snow pack; in areas where snowpack dominates, the timing of runoff will continue to shift to earlier in the spring and flows will be lower in late summer
• wet areas will be wetter in many areas
• dry areas will be drier in many areas
• Both surface water quality and groundwater quality will be affected

For more information, click here. To read the Water Resources section of the report, which is really interesting, click here and go to page 41.

Jennie Day-Burget

Blogmistress

Lawns provide many benefits – both aesthetic and practical – but they also require a lot of water.

How can you make sure you’re watering your lawn the right amount and not wasting a valuable resource? This summer, the Regional Water Providers Consortium has made resources available to you.

Get a FREE watering gauge to measure your sprinkler output

Before you can use the Weekly Watering Number, you need to find out how much water is coming out of your sprinkler over a given period of time. Watering gauges help you do this. You can request free watering gauges – while supplies last – directly from the Consortium by calling 503-823-7528, or sending an e-mail to RWPCinfo@water.ci.portland.or.us. You can also order a free watering gauge from the Portland Water Bureau here.

Weekly Watering Number

Lawns generally need about one inch of water a week to stay healthy. Spring through summer, the Consortium posts the Weekly Watering Number on its Web site, www.conserveh2o.org. The number accounts for current weather conditions and shows how much additional water you need to water your lawn that week so it gets its one-inch dose. Use the number to calculate how much to water your trees, shrubs and vegetables, too. You can even sign up to receive the number every week by e-mail.

Once you know how much water is coming out of your sprinkler over a set period of time, you can use the Weekly Watering Number to help you estimate how long to run your sprinkler so that your lawn, plants and shrubs get the right amount of water.

For more information, contact:

Sarah Santner

Residential Water Conservation Coordinator

Phone: (503) 823-7444

Email: sarah.santner@ci.portland.or.us

As some of you are aware, I was in San Diego last week to speak at the annual AWWA conference with a co-worker. While I was surrounded by thousands of water colleagues and learned more than I can even begin to write in one blog, this photo is the most provocative piece of info I brought back with me:

According to the city Web site, "The San Diego region is experiencing an unprecedented water supply crisis. There are environmental stresses, including the ongoing drought in the Colorado River basin and reduced snow pack and runoff in Northern California. In addition to these environmental stresses, court-ordered pumping restrictions on the State Water Project have continued to reduce the amount of water that can be delivered to the area. San Diego's water wholesalers have already announced that they will reduce their water deliveries to the area. Since San Diego imports 85-90 percent of its water, these conditions put considerable stress on the city's water system.

On June 1, a Level 2 Drought Act was implemented. Restrictions include:

• Landscape irrigation is only allowed three days per week
• Watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• Washing your car is only allowed between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. with a hand-held container or hose with a positive shut-off nozzle
• All leaks must be stopped or repaired upon discovery or within 72 hours of notification by the City of San Diego
• Restaurants and other food establishments shall only serve and refill water for patrons upon request.

Click here for the complete list.

Wow. This really makes you realize how lucky we are here in Portland. It's just one more reminder to use your water wisely. Water is a precious resource and none of us are exempt from drought.

Jennie Day-Burget

Blogmistress

The Water Bureau will soon be installing a large solar array at our Columbia South Shore Well Field (CSSWF) (http://www.portlandonline.com/water/index.cfm?c=29785). Solar panels will generate 300,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year, enough energy to power 50 homes. Located in North Portland along the shore of the Columbia Slough, the CSSWF is home to the groundwater wells that provide emergency back-up supply when Bull Run water becomes unavailable.

Solar Array Naming Contest Rules

1) Submit an original entry (entry example: Solar on the Slough)

2) All entries must be received by the deadline, Friday, June 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

3) Be creative!

4) Contest open to anyone and everyone.

Submit your entry, along with your name and contact information, by email (link to kim.dinan@ci.portland.or.us).

Judging

A panel of judges, including Commissioner Randy Leonard, will select the winning name. The winner will be contacted directly and the winning name announced on our blog in early July.

Grand Prize

Bragging rights and a formal invitation to the Portland Water Bureau’s official Solar Power to the People ‘flip the switch’ ceremony.

Kim Dinan

Sustainability Coordinator

In the summer of 2008, Water Bureau staff began gathering data to calculate our carbon footprint for the 2007 calendar year.  A carbon footprint quantifies the greenhouse gases an individual or organization is releasing into the atmosphere. 

The Portland Water Bureau’s 2007 Carbon Footprint Report provides our calculations as well as an in-depth look at the bureau’s emissions sources and carbon reduction goals.  The bureau plans to update our carbon footprint and our reduction strategies annually. 

The bureau’s total CO₂ emissions for calendar year 2007 was 13,998 metric tons.  This is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of approximately 700 U.S. citizens.  Electricity use from groundwater and distribution pump stations, lighting and other facility uses makes up approximately 81 percent of the bureau’s footprint.  The other 19 percent are emissions related to fuel combustion (15%), natural gas use (3%) and employee air travel (1%). 

Kim Dinan

Sustainability Coordinator

How many times have you, at the last minute, decided that you really want chicken for dinner instead of pasta, but found your chicken breasts to be frozen and in need of a major thaw out? I know we've ALL done this at some point.

So, what's your solution? Many of us take that frozen solid chicken breast and run it under water for 5-10 minutes until it is "cookable."

Major. Water. Waster.

Here is an alternative solution:

1) Microwave it. According to PlanetGreen, it takes less electricity to thaw your food via microwave, than it does to pump water into your house.

So, by making this one simple change, you are making better use of two resources; water AND electricity.

(PlanetGreen also suggests that you simply plan better, but for those of us who change our mind about dinner by the minute, that doesn't seem like a very viable option!)

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

When PWB Resource Protection employees recently paid their daily visit to a fish trap located just a few hundred feet upstream of the former Little Sandy Dam, they confirmed that after a century of being blocked, salmon are once again successfully spawning in the Little Sandy River, which is above the former Little Sandy Dam site!

Staff found two newborn coho salmon, called 'fry', swimming about in the live well at the back of the trap. The next day there were 15 and the day after that there were 25, proving that at least two coho salmon adults had swum upstream of that point the previous fall and laid eggs in the river gravel; at least a portion of those eggs survived the winter. 

The Little Sandy Dam was removed in 2008 as a part of Portland General Electric's (PGE) decommissioning of its Bull Run Hydroelectric Project. The Little Sandy Dam was constructed in 1912 without fish ladders, so salmon were barred from the upper river. Now that it is gone, we've been amazed at how quickly fish have started re-colonizing. Just four weeks before, adult steelhead—an ocean-going form of rainbow trout—were seen spawning about a quarter mile above the fish trap.

The true test for the coho will be if the young fish will grow to be one-year old fish and become smolts, which is the name given to juvenile salmon and steelhead that have begun the journey to the ocean.  The new coho may be the first generation of pioneers born and raised in the upper Little Sandy River.

Burke Strobel

Fish Biologist

Well believe it or not, Conservation Guru Sarah Santner reports that the $50,000 allotted for toilet rebates has been depleted in not quite 5 months! Good work, Portlanders, you truly are a socially conscious bunch!

That means there are a whole bunch of new "toities" out there right now, saving water with every flush!

JDB

PIO

Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10th) is quickly approaching and I keep seeing calls for people to make this Mother's Day eco-friendly.

So, I thought I'd think of some gifts you can give dear old mom this year, that will be water eco-friendly.

Here's what I came up with:

1. Drought Tolerant Plant (as opposed to flowers or plants that need frequent watering)
2. 5-Minute Shower Timer
3. Jewelry from this designer's new line
4. Low-flow showerhead
5. Gift certificate to an eco-friendly car wash
6. A pitcher for the 'fridge, to allow Mom to have a constant supply of cold water on hand (less time spent at the kitchen tap waiting for it to get cold)
7. Stainless steel, refillable water bottle: here's why
8. Chinook Book: Support a company that has commmitted to tap water only!
9. A gift certificate to an eco-friendly spa. In Portland, Dosha Salon Spa has been very active in bringing attention to the world water crisis, in addition to practicing general social sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
10. An "I Only Drink Tap Water" sticker which can be ordered free from us! (e-mail me! jennifer.day@ci.portland.or.us)

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

This Earth Day, we asked Water Bureau employees to think about how they practice environmental activism into their work.

I am the program manager for facilities CIP and we work to incorporate the City's Green Building Policy including LEED® into our designs for the PWB's buildings. I also try to influence the designs to include other sustainable opportunities. The main environmental aspect of the Green Building Policy and LEED® is to conserve energy, natural resources including water, and improve the quality of the employees' working environment.

-Luanne Zoller, Capital Program Manager

Asset Management is developing guidelines for how to do a business case. A business case is simply applying logical (and often economic) argument or reasoning to justify why we would spend our resources on a particular project or a program. We advocate using triple bottom line (TBL) which considers not only the financial impacts but the environmental and social impacts as well. Sometimes it is very difficult to quantify the environmental impacts, however, we are making guidelines on how to do some of that analysis and we recommend that even if the person doing the analysis can't quantify the environmental impacts that those still be included in the narrative justification.  We have already considered environmental impacts In business cases already completed - for example the impacts of reducing fleet miles, developing alternative energy supply, and reducing risk of pipe failures in environmentally sensitive areas.

-Eric Brainich, Asset Management Analyst

I try to encourage people to drink only tap water... not only in Portland, but beyond, through our "I Only Drink Tap Water" campaign which has been touted as far away as Florida! People don't realize that nearly all the tap water in this country meets or exceeds federal drinking water standards, or it wouldn't be allowed to be served. Drinking tap water is the greener way to go, especially in Portland, due to our gravity fed water system which requires minimal energy, because drinking Portland's tap water is a form of "shopping" local and because it doesn't require you to purchase plastic bottles; bottles which have become such a strain on our environment.

-Jennie Day-Burget, Public Information Officer

The crew from Sandy River Station works closely with employees from Resource Protection and the Forest Service to help protect the Bull Run watershed. We typically cut an invasive weed (Reed Canary Grass) in Reservoir # 1 that grows in areas the Western Toad lives. This invasive weed can indirectly affect the toad's ability to reproduce.

We also curtail activities in the area of the upper log boom during the loon nesting season. Many of the logs pulled out of the upper boom are used by the Forest Service or Water Bureau for fish habitat. Much of the brush that is blown down during winter storms is chipped and returned to the soil where it originally grew.

Our staff is currently assisting members of Resource Protection in staging and eventually placing spawning gravel for salmon in the Bull Run River.

-Tim Grandle, Bull Run Supply Manager

I turn off my computer every night, and my screen when I head to meetings.

-Darcy Cronin, Facilities Services Specialist

I think the whole adoption of the Habitat Conservation Plan is a great example of how we are trying to minimize our impacts on the environment, improve it where we can, and monitor our progress to make sure it's working.

-Burke Strobel, Fish Biologist

I think that one of the best ways to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment is to represent the ethic in your life at work and at home. Talking about sustainability is important, but incorporating it into your daily life is what counts.  Just like the smell of firewood can remind you of camping, witnessing a small action, like a co-worker reusing paper or turning off an idling vehicle, can serve as a silent reminder to the many chances we have each day to make decisions that can help or hinder this amazing planet we live on. 

-Kim Dinan, Sustainability Coordinator

I am working with an organization called Straightways to coordinate bringing student volunteers in for the summer.  The organization has several goals; to give the kids some experience in the work world, keep them off the streets and to increase their environmental awareness and knowledge.  The volunteers will work with a number of different people in the bureau, but all of the work that they will do is related to environmental maintenance and or education.  For example they will work with staff to eradicate invasive species.  Kim Dinan (Sustainability Coordinator) is going to work with them on developing an educational piece to present to the bureau on how we can all do a better job of creating a sustainable environment. 

-Susan Bailey, Water Administrative Manager

The earth is a small round orb floating in the vacuum of space surrounded by a thin atmosphere that is the source of the air that around 6 billion souls need to breath. This atmosphere also supports the evaporation process that supports the clouds that cause the rain and snow that provide most of the source all the fresh water we drink and use for other life sustaining purposes. So it would seem that the protection of our atmosphere is an important part of we should be doing to keep us all here on the the little round orb around for a long time.

-Mark Behnke, Public Works Supervisor

One of the techniques used to support Advanced Asset Management is to consider the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) when determining the benefits and costs of proposed infrastructure projects. TBL includes the environmental and social impacts of decisions, not just the traditional economic bottom line; and our bureau is definitely a leader in promoting this.

-Martha Taylor, Asset Management Analyst

I pick up errant plastic bags or trash when I come across them on my routes as a meter reader.

- Debra Wrolstad, Meter Reader

  Sarah Bott Sr. Community Outreach & Information Representative

Update:

This just in -- Sarah Santner, Residential Water Conservation Coordinator reports that there are only 100 toilet rebates left. Rebates are going fast (about 30 per week on average).

Wow! You guys are on it! That means she's received nearly 100 rebate applications in less than a week!

Jennie Day-Burget

More than halfway towards the Toilet Rebate Program deadline, Water Conservation Coordinator, Sarah Santner, reports that more than half of the program money has been used - but you're in luck because there are still 200 rebates left! Remember, however, toilets must be labeled with the WaterSense seal and old toilets must be recycled.

To download the application and/or find out more details click here.

The program ends June 30 or when the $50,000 the bureau has allotted for the program runs out - whichever comes first. Check back for updates.

Jennie Day-Burget

March 16-20th is the EPA's first, annual Fix A Leak Week.  Fix A Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, which seeks to protect the nation's water supply by promoting efficient products and services and educating the public about water conservation.

According to WaterSense:

• 11,000 gallons of water are wasted in the average home due to leaks every year
• The total amount of water leaked from U.S. homes is more than 1 trillion gallons per year
• Common places to find leaks are worn-out or misaligned toilet flappers, dripping faucets, showerheads, and other valves - all of which can be easily fixed by homeowners themselves
• Fixing leaks can save homeowners more than 10% on their water bills

The Portland Water Bureau encourages you to celebrate Fix a Leak Week by checking your toilet for leaks:

• 1. Remove the top of the toilet tank.
• 2. Drop ten drops of food coloring into the tank
• 3. Wait ten minutes without flushing the toilet
• 4. Return to the toilet and look at the water in the bowl. If the water had changed color, you have a toilet leak.

For more information visit http://www.portlandonline.com/water/leak

Or if you really feel like celebrating - consider replacing your old, leaky toilet with a new WaterSense labeled model - you could earn $100! See www.portlandonline.com/water/conservation for more information about the bureau's Toilet Rebate Program.

Dimitra Giannakoulias

Community Service Aid II

Water Conservation Program

An award winning, American jewelry designer, Dian Malouf, introduced a new line of jewelry this week called Flowers, Ferns and Rainforests (TM). The line is intended to make an environmental fashion statement; each piece of jewelry comes with a small card of water conservation tips.

A portion of the sales will go to the American Ground Water Trust, a non-profit water education organization.

Jennie Day-Burget

Happy Birthday, Dr. S! Okay, so other than the fact that everyone loves Dr. Seuss (including us) how in the world can we relate Dr. Seuss to the Water Blog? I'm glad you asked.

Last Earth Day (4/22/08) Conservation International and Random House Publishing teamed up to launch The Lorax Project, named for Dr. Seuss' beloved story called, The Lorax.

The project is a grass-roots effort dedicated to protecting forests and endangered species. Among many other earth-friendly activities aimed at fulfilling its mission, the project encourages water conservation. It also encourages the planting of new Truffala trees (named for the tree in the book), which, of course, need water to grow.

So, without Dr. Seuss, there never would have been a Lorax Project!

"Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack. Then the Lorax and all of his friends may come back."

Jennie Day-Burget

Likes Green Eggs & Ham

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that many corporations are beginning to tally the amount of water it takes to make their products. The assessment, called a water footprint, measures the amount of water required to grow the crops and/or process raw ingredients into finished products.

Some of the water footprint data might raise your eyebrows:

• A cotton T-shirt...700 gallons
• A hamburger...630 gallons
• A 2-liter bottle of soda pop...132 gallons

(In September 2008, water geeks reported in this blog on the water footprint of growing coffee and tea.)

The WSJ reports that companies are increasingly considering water as an essential raw ingredient in their products. As the prospects of water availability grow dimmer in some regions, corporations are using data from their water footprints to take action. One large company said it saved millions of gallons and dollars by watering crops more efficiently; others have pledged to fund water conservation projects.

At the local level, you can calculate your water use. Go to the water calculator at the Regional Water Providers Consortium Web site and see how your use compares to the regional average.  If your stats raise your eyebrows, then look at some of the water conservation tips available on the Water Bureau and Consortium Web sites.

Jessica Letteney

Resource Protection

Heard about the Water Bureau's new toilet rebate program? Nervous about making the transition to HE toilets? You need not be! This is a good change!

Here is one blogger's funny account of his family's experience with their recently acquired WaterSense toilet: http://watercrunch.blogspot.com/2008/06/wheres-handle-my-first-dual-flush.html

As you'll read, the blogger's 5-year old daughter responded with, "[That is] the most beautiful toilet I've ever seen!" Now if that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will! LOL!

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

I noticed something on the EPA's Web site that caught my attention this morning - "greenversations." Basically, this is a blog that offers up tips on being green - this particular entry addressed actions to take during the holiday season this year.

The water related tips they offered were simple yet effective:

"And lastly, cleaning up after the holidays can be a huge responsibility if not prepared. My family holiday meals require much more water than ordinary meals. While preparing food and washing dishes, we tend to run the water a lot. For every minute water runs, more than two gallons of water is used. However, this year we've came up with a way to reduce our water and energy usage.

* Instead of using water to rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, scrape them clean.
* If washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with a few gallons of soapy wash water, clean the dishes, and put them aside. Then rinse them all together afterward.

Sounds like a plan to me. Either of these practices can save up to 10 gallons of water."

Food for thought....

Jennie Day-Burget

Public Information Officer

Most of Portland's water distribution system was designed to allow gravity to move water from the Bull Run watershed to in-town reservoirs.  Pumping is, however, required to deliver water to certain areas of the city like the West Hills. And pumping isn't cheap. In 2007 the Water Bureau spent over $1.2 million in electricity costs for operation of our 39 pump stations.

With that in mind, bureau staff evaluated pumping efficiency for the Burlingame Service Area where two pump stations (Fulton and Carolina) deliver water to the Burlingame Pressure Zone. Staff were able to modify the pumping scheme to optimize the gallons of water pumped per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used. 

The overall efficiency gain between April and September 2008 was 17 percent, which saved the bureau over $24,000 in electricity costs! The savings of over 420,000 kWh is enough electricity to power 45 Oregon homes for a year and is equivalent to eliminating emissions of over 280 tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere! The bureau is eager to replicate this project and begin evaluating the efficiency of other pump stations.

This project lessens the bureau's carbon footprint and helps to reach our sustainability goal of reducing overall electricity consumption 10 percent by 2010. 

Peter Nierengarten

Engineer   

An article came across my desk yesterday that grabbed my attention; a local dentist who has designed his office using water conservation techniques. How cool is that?

The local dentist I speak of is Dr. Jason McMillan of Mint Dental Works in SE Portland.

What has Dr. McMillan done to conserve water in his office?

• Dr. McMillan's office uses alcohol hand rub in patient rooms, which eliminates the need for sinks, faucets, water, soap and paper towels. "Conservative estimates show that this will save 360 paper towels and 90 gallons of water each day...Data from the Center for Disease Control show that the hand rub also reduces the number of bacteria more effectively than washing with soap and water." (http://www.mintdentalworks.com/stewardship.html)
• Dr. McMillan's office has also installed low-flow fixtures, energy star appliances and sensor-operated faucets. Their dry evacuation system is a new dental technology that uses no water... "a huge savings compared to a traditional system that consumes approximately a gallon a minute."

Now, let me be clear; this is not an endorsement for Dr. McMillan because never having been a patient of his, how can I know for sure?

But, I sure do think his efforts are cool. I used to work in a dental office and I know, firsthand, how much water is used (and possibly wasted). It's nice to see a dentist thinking outside the box.

Jennie Day-Burget

Congratulations to Water Bureau maintenance engineer Peter Nierengarten! The Water Bureau is proud to say that Peter is our very first engineer accredited in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building for New Construction.

This means that Peter will help the Water Bureau build green structures and make major renovations according to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED requirements. The LEED requirements for construction cover many areas including the use of sustainable materials and systems designed to use water and energy efficiently. Peter's new expertise will help the bureau to make the most cost-effective decisions about constructing and renovating green buildings, which will help the bureau stay true to its sustainability mission .

Jessica Letteney

Portland Water Bureau workers are often on the go, traveling to far-flung hydrants or water mains. We also "commute" between the east-side Interstate facility and the Portland Building downtown. A group of sustainability-minded employees wanted to find the most efficient transportation mode for this short trip. So they staged a race.

Employees jumped on (or in) nine different modes of transportation to see who could get from the bureau's Interstate Facility (1900 N. Interstate) to the Portland Building the fastest and emit the fewest pounds of carbon dioxide. The racers (and their transportation modes) were judged on the speed, pounds of CO2 emitted, cost (including operating costs), and number of calories burned (number of apples you could eat if you used this mode).

The bike was the clear winner. Here are the results:.

Matt Weatherly

Sustainability, Recycling, and Employee Education

Full disclosure - while I am a total "shower every morning" person, I am such a bath girl when I can find the time. I find nothing more relaxing than locking the bathroom door, lighting a candle, adding some bubble bath, and dipping into a searing hot bathtub- refilling it with hotter water, every few minutes. And when I say searing, I mean I want lobster red skin. (My dermatologist would fire me!) So, while I love my baths, which is more water conservative, my bath or my shower?

The Water Bureau's very own, Water Conservation Wonder Woman, Sarah Santner, was recently quoted in a Consumer Reports article, discussing that very topic. Click here to read what she had to say.

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer

Here is another treasure from Denver Water to send you on your way this evening with a laugh. Denver Water has an amazing water conservation campaign, due to their desperate need for water conservation. Visiting their conservation campaign Web site, Use Only Water You Need, and it will make you laugh! (And they have freebies!)

While I'm not actually allowed to link you to the video, if you do a You Tube search for "Drunk Flower" you will find it. It packs quite a memorable message about not over-watering.

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer

I was talking blog at a conference a couple months ago, when another presenter shared a video with us. She is in the communications group at Denver Water, (Colorado), who has followed a strict water conservation routine for many years now. I think this video is incredibly memorable and I hope it sticks with you too! (For more information on how to "tackle" your running toilet, click here!)

While I am no longer allowed to actually link you to the video, if you do a You Tube search for "Stop the Running Toilet" you'll find it.

PS -- Not only was this made into a commercial, but it really happened, at a real football game, once upon a time!

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer

No doubt about it -- the dog days of summer are here, and summer is water conservation season. Here are some ways* you can work to conserve one of Portland's most precious resources:

1. Check household faucets and toilets for leaks and repair them. A faucet or toilet with even a slow drip or leak can waste a lot of water.

2. Keep showers to 5 minutes or less in length. Request a free shower timer  (or other handy water conservation devices) from the Water Bureau.

3. Turn off the water while your brushing teeth or washing your hands/face.

4. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Then you won't have to run tap water to cool it.

5. Use dishwashers and clothes washers for full loads only.

6. Use a broom to sweep your driveway, garage, or sidewalk instead of using the water hose.

7. Use a bucket of water to wash your bike or car and rinse quickly with a hose. Better yet, take your car to one of Portland's eco-friendly car washes.

8. Be careful to water only the lawn -- not the sidewalk or street.

9. Water your lawn or plants at night or in the early morning to avoid evaporation.

10. Use water only when you need it. Always turn it off when you are finished.

*As recommended by the American Water Works Association (AWWA)

Do you do something unique to conserve water? Let us know by commenting on this post. We'd love to hear from you!

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer

Since most of my friends, and my husband, in this case, know that I am a total water nerd, they periodically send me photos and ideas for stories relating to water. Here's one that I was particularly excited about.

Most of us know that we don't exactly have a water shortage around these parts, but that doesn't mean it can't happen or won't happen. And knowing that, here at the Portland Water Bureau, we make great efforts to educate the public on how to conserve water and/or use it wisely and not wastefully. The bureau even provides free water conservation kits to the public. Apparently, the local restaurant chain, Laurelwood, has heeded our message. My husband walked into their NW location last night to find the pictured sign on the door. Pretty cool, huh?

The thing that really gets me is how simple of a step they have taken in not serving ice water unless it is asked for. Think how many people never even glance at the glass of water provided for them at many restaurants, immediately upon seating. Think how much water must be wasted. While this gesture is certainly a nice courtesy, is it really necessary? Something to ponder, at least.

So, Laurelwood, I commend you for taking such an easy and obvious step to help conserve one of Portland's most precious resources. I'm sure Laurelwood is not the only restaurant to have done this, but it's nice to know that people in Portland seem to "get it." Just because we have an abundance of water right now, doesn't mean we should abuse it.

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer

Last month, about 30 plumbers and building contractors crowded into a conference room at McMenamin's Kennedy School for a certification workshop called "Caring for Our Water." The program was jointly sponsored by the Water Bureau's conservation group and an organization called GreenPlumbers^®. The workshop was designed to help plumbers and builders understand how they can help their customers save water.

In the morning session, Water Bureau Education Program Manager Briggy Thomas took participants on a virtual tour of the Portland's water system, explaining how water from the Bull Run watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field reaches customers' water taps. Water Conservation Coordinator Jeff Sandberg demonstrated how conservation can make a difference for Portland and for customers' pocketbooks.

In the afternoon session, water conservation expert John Koeller described the newest conservation technologies and methods. Koeller-who has been dubbed "the toilet guru"-encouraged participants to promote water-efficient products such as low-flow toilets and gave them the goods on the best models. He also showed participants how new irrigation technologies can help people save water during the summer watering season. Koeller's take-home message was that plumbers and builders are the key to helping people make real savings in their water and sewer bills.

The mission of the Water Bureau's conservation group is to help customers use water efficiently. The "Caring for Our Water" certification workshop is the first in a series that will educate building and plumbing professionals about the latest technologies and methods for water-efficiency.

Sarah Santner

Water Conservation Program Coordinator

Drought in California.

Flooding in the Midwest.

Heatwave in the East.

What do they all have in common? Water -- lack of it -- too much of it -- need of it.

We are so fortunate here in the Pacific Northwest to have the best of water-related circumstances, at least for now. We have a relatively manageable climate -- controllable flooding, few heatwaves and no drought that I'm aware of. (maybe this is our trade-off for those rainy winters)

And watching dire circumstances unfold in other parts of the country makes me realize how lucky we are to have such an abundant water resource here. Furthermore, we should use that water supply wisely. Use only what you need, when you need it. Our water supply is easy to take that for granted, with all the rain that falls in Portland. But, if we all think before we use -- if we really think about it, we might help to conserve this incredibly precious resource, in case we do need at some point. For the now -- for the future -- for our kids.

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

The new, young, green crusaders focus less on individual efforts like recycling and clean rivers, and more on long-term, lifestyle efforts like combating global warming by living a more sustainable life.

Case-in-point is a group of college students at Oberlin College who, with the help of their college, have created a new sustainability house - a SEED house, they call it - Student Experiment in Ecological Design.

Among many noble efforts aimed at reducing energy expenditure and waste, these housemates have some pretty inventive methods of water conservation:

• Shower "races"- Each housemate uses a shower timer to track his or her time. The time (or score) is entered on the message board next to the sink - the object is always to take the shortest shower - and the competition is always on!
• Housemates catch their shower and sink water in a bucket and reuse it to flush their make-shift, low-flow toilet. (a budget model with a couple bricks in the tank to achieve the "low-flow" effect)
• Putting a picture of John Edwards on the top of the shower, looking down at shower-takers. This serves 2 purposes - 1) no one wants to linger in a shower with someone staring down at them 2) and also so that students can imagine John Edwards is encouraging them to take shorter showers

While these methods of water-conservation are obviously not appropriate for everyone, these students certainly win props for inventiveness - and just plain being pretty cool.

Can you do just one thing different today to help conserve water? Think about it and write in with interesting ideas. We would love to hear from you.

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

So, I just couldn't resist sharing this with you. One of my very favorite sustainable products, Envirosax, is now offering a free, 4 minute shower timer with a purchase of a pouch of Envirosax from their Web site.

Envirosax are tres adorable, reusable shopping bags. I love mine. I get compliments every time I use them and they offer patterns to appeal to women, men and kids. (I have the flora pattern)

Anyway, you get a set of 5 bags when you order a pouch, but you can order a single if you'd rather (no free timer though with the single). The bags are waterproof, lightweight and extremely durable (reinforced seams). I can get about $120 worth of groceries in my set of five -- the company says that each bag holds about the equivalent of two, regular grocery sacks.

What better time to order reusable shopping bags than when they come with a free shower timer? You can get your timer in blue, green, pink or gray. And other than my Envirosax, I have found few things quite as handy as my shower timer. I had this idea that I took 5 minute showers until I started timing them and realized that they were all more like 10 minutes -- hence the shower timer that I now use every day. Now, I faithfully take 5 minute showers every morning -- what a great way to conserve our precious Bull Run water while also cutting down on the amount of plastic bags flying around the country!

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

In honor of Earth Day, the Water Bureau would like to share a little bit about how we're making the earth a better place and how you can too. 

Since 2005, the Water Bureau's Toxic Reduction Program has reduced the volume of toxic chemicals used and stored by the bureau by 30%--removing out-of-date paint, epoxy, gasoline, and other chemicals. The bureau has also increased the amount of paper, metals, and plastics recycled at bureau facilities. With nice weather just around the corner, now it is a great time for spring-cleaning toxics and recyclables at your own home.

Over the next few months, you'll find many opportunities to properly dispose of your household hazardous waste as well as to recycle materials not accepted at the curb. Below is a list of events happening in the Portland metro area.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

Accepted items include: paints, stains, pool and spa chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, poisons, motor oil, antifreeze, auto fluids, thinners, solvents, household cleaners, batteries, art and hobby chemicals, aerosol spray products, sharps, propane tanks, fluorescent lamps and ballasts, and mercury thermostats.

Check Metro's Roundup website to find the most up-to-date times and locations for events.

Neighborhood Collection Days

Recycle non-curbside materials, such as large scrap metal, tires, automotive batteries, computers and electronics, unwanted household goods, construction debris, and more.

Ongoing Recycling

Check Metro's Find a Recycler website. Many facilities accept non-curbside recyclable material.  For example, Far West Fibers has multiple facilities in the Metro area and does not charge for drop off of recyclable items (donations are, however, accepted).

Styrofoam

Finding a place to recycle Styrofoam and packaging peanuts can be difficult, but Pacific Land Clearing (PLC) in north Portland accepts this material.

Electronics

Portland nonprofit organization Free Geek recycles computer and other electronic equipment.  Apple Computer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, EPSON and others offer credit for recycling their products.

Note:  Details shown here were accurate as of early March 2008.  We recommend you contact Metro or the individual facility directly to confirm dates, times and materials accepted. 

Matt Weatherly

Community Services Aide II - Resource Protection

Several months ago, I blogged about how a recent holiday trip to my midwestern hometown had proven eye-opening. Not only did I discover that my family feared their tap water, despite excellent national ratings, but they didn't recycle those blasted water bottles they drank so many of, either. At the time I was horrified by this lack of recycling, hence the blog. My family was a bit disgruntled with the fact that I "called them out" on a very, very public blog. Luckily, despite comedic threats that I might be disowned so I could adopt "tree huggers" as my parents, they still love me and still claim me as their own. Phew.

And guess what? My nagging seems to have worked. I made a trip home this past weekend and I found that some changes had been made in my household. Not only have they started recycling everything, almost, but they recycle all those water bottles. A certain member of my family, who shall remain nameless, even boasted that he or she stopped in the middle of the street one day while driving to "adopt" a renegade recycling bin that been blown out of someone's driveway. So, now my family has two recycling bins and thus, recycles twice as many things, especially those offending plastic bottles of water. And while I'm not sure I can condone "adopting" renegade recycling bins, I am ecstatic that my plan worked. I got my message out there and my family actually listened! Who knew? And I'm sure the person who lost their recycling bin was able to get a replacement. (I'll cross my fingers!)

As far as their "tapophobia" goes, not much has changed that I could see at least. They still went right to the bottle everytime they wanted some water, but I suppose it's all about baby steps right? We can't all change everything at once, but changing just one thing right now, is a slow but sure way to start living a more sustainable lifestyle. And it's a way to make us all feel like we're doing our part, no matter how small.

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

Concordia College, a 2,800 person campus located in Minnesota, installed 33 low-flow toilets in a dormitory building in April 2006. Since that time it is estimated that the college has saved 480,000 gallons of potable water. The plumbing supervisor says that they have had minimal service calls and substantial water savings.

The college plans on installing 100 additional low-flow toilets this summer. They estimate that they will save an additional 500,000 more gallons of water, and even more dollars.

In addition to going green in the toilet department, Concordia College also offers students information on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Standard toilets account for 26% of the water used in the average home. Standard toilets installed after 1993 (older than 1992) use 3.5 to 7 (5) gallons per flush.

In comparison, the low-flow toilets installed at Concordia use only 1.6 gallons per flush.

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

I utilize various resources in my effort to collect information related to the genealogy work I am doing for my family.  I recently acquired a December 1949 copy of Life magazine. Being an employee of the Water Bureau, two stories really struck me.

The first story, (actually a news clipping glued to one of the magazine pages), entitled, Water Snoopers Knock on Doors as New York City Crisis Deepens, surprised me quite a bit. The story talked about the water shortage that New York faced in 1949. The shortage was so bad that they actually had city employees, who identified themselves as "Water Wardens," going door-to-door inspecting for leaks in homes. The police department got involved by resurrecting the wartime air raid wardens, giving them special armbands, and sending them door-to-door asking for conservation cooperation.  They could report water wasters to the police.  Can you imagine?

It seems that the city had simply outgrown its water supply- and grown too fast to prepare properly. A massive media campaign encouraged folks to reduce water usage to little or none.  Residents only flushed once per day and usually with a pan of water to do their flushing. Showers and baths were scarce and drinking water was almost unheard of. One mom they interviewed said that she had stopped bathing her daughter, but had instead begun sponging her off with olive oil or alcohol.

The other article was called, New York's Shaveless Friday. I hope this article was supposed to make me laugh because it sure did! Apparently, in response to the New York City drought referenced in the newspaper article, the city declared a "water holiday-" Shaveless Friday. Water Supply Commissioner Stephen J. Carney declared that all men would go without a shave on this particular Friday. Apparently it was successful- reports said that by the end of that day average consumption was down by 20%. A melodramatic photo shows a close up on one reporter's "Five O'clock Shadow!"

Teresa Chadwell

Office Support Supervisor

A Queens, New York based company, Tap Into The City, is launching a new sports bottle- the NYC H20 Sports Bottle. The bottle is being launched in an effort to encourage residents and visitors to choose NYC tap water over bottled water. The NYC H20 Sports Bottle is made from non-leaching HDPE plastic. Each bottle includes information concerning the healthful and environmental benefits of drinking NYC tap water.

The company plans on making similar bottles available in other cities in the near future: San Francisco, Boulder, Co, and Madison, WI. Bottles can be viewed or purchased at:

http://www.tapintothecity.com/.

And here in Portland we have great tap water too! Refilling a water bottle with Bull Run water provides clean, cold, constant and cheap water at a significantly lower environmental cost than purchasing bottled water.

To read more click here:  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/1/prweb612101.htm

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

The Water Bureau has recently made its draft habitat conservation plan available to the public. The HCP is the bureau's comprehensive plan to restore native fish habitat and achieve compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) for and Clean Water Act for our drinking water facilities and operations on the Bull Run River. We anticipate that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will complete and release the accompanying draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the HCP in February.

Once the draft EIS is complete, NMFS and the city will conduct a formal public comment process for both documents. This comment process will feature two public open house style meetings (likely to occur in March) and have a comment period of at least 45 days. The exact schedule will be determined once NMFS finishes the draft EIS and will be communicated to the public via e-mail, the bureau website and local media outlets.

Until the draft EIS is released, the public has the opportunity to review the draft HCP and to ask clarifying questions of myself and the staff within the Water Bureau who have developed the plan. Our goal during these next few weeks is to try to familiarize folks with the document and prepare them for the formal comment period to come.

It is important to us that the public understand our draft plan for complying with the federal ESA.  We encourage anyone interested to take advantage of the opportunity to comment. The public comments we receive during the public review process will help determine what the final HCP will contain before it is submitted to NMFS for final approval.

We've worked very hard for several years to develop a scientifically sound and cost effective strategy for contributing to the restoration of threatened native fish in and around the Bull Run River. We look forward to sharing our draft plan with our stakeholders, ratepayers and partners in the months to come.

Edward Campbell

Director, Resource Protection and Planning

Everyone needs a little humor in their workday and this put a little humor in mine. A friend of mine, who knows that I work for the Water Bureau, told me to look for this video because she knew it would horrify me and my conservation co-workers who extend such great effort in asking people to use water-wisely.... I guess the cats of the world aren't listening.

Confused? Click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WofFb_eOxxA

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

PS- And for the record, my friend was right! I cringed every single one of the NINE times this cat flushed during this video. I was horrified! What a nightmare to have such a "smart" cat! I can't even get my cats to come when I call them.

A Eugene, Oregon based shoe company, Rafters Footwear, has started making sandals out of recycled plastic water bottles. How's that for thinking outside of the shoe box?

There is no question that recycling after a water bottle is created is a good thing. But, why don't you grab a cold glass of Bull Run water from your tap before you create the need to dispose of the bottle? After all, you can refill a 16-ounce glass 34 times with water from your tap for only 1 penny.

Sometimes, though, the tap is just not an option. There are not too many taps on the backpacking trail, for instance. So, if you must drink from water bottles, make sure to recycle them. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up wearing them next summer!

Don Holmes, Sustainability Coordinator

Janet Senior, Stewardship Department Manager

Those of us in the water conservation field could not be more excited about the introduction of a new, national program, designed to help citizens use water more efficiently -- WaterSense. 

WaterSense is a program sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is the water equivalent of the Energy Star program. WaterSense will be labeling products to help customers sort through the maze of product options to select toilets, faucets, showerheads, irrigation equipment, and irrigation contractors that use less water.

If you are in search of a new toilet for your bathroom remodel, check the EPA's WaterSense website for a complete list of toilets that meet their criteria for water efficiency and performance. Or, look for the WaterSense label on toilets in stores.

Because WaterSense is a new program, labeled products may be a little hard to find at first. The Portland Water Bureau will be working with local hardware and plumbing supply stores to help build awareness of the WaterSense label. The EPA is working directly with large national supply stores like Lowe's and Home Depot.

Sarah Murphy Santner

Residential Water Conservation Coordinator

(503) 823-7444

Sometimes a worthwhile goal, like improving your home's efficiency, moves down the list of priorities until it's forgotten altogether.  This is understandable; our lives are busy.  But, if you can spare a few hours on a Saturday morning, we can help you check this goal off your list!

Grab your calendar and mark down these dates:

Saturday, January 12, 2008

8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lent School (5105 SE 97^th Ave)

Saturday, February 2, 2008

8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Roosevelt School (6941 N Central Ave)

On both Saturdays, you'll find the Portland Water Bureau, (and many other community groups), ready and waiting to help you.  It's all part of the annual Fix-It Fair series, hosted by the Office of Sustainable Development. 

Portland Water Bureau staff can advise you on ways to save water and lower your bill.  Stop by our table!  We'll have a number of free devices on hand, from low-flow kitchen aerators to leak detection tablets.  Those who attend our workshop, "Saving Water Makes Cents!"  can also get a free low-flow showerhead.

Other topics covered at the Fix-It Fairs include weatherization, energy efficiency, green remodeling, lead testing, recycling, composting and yard care.  The events are FREE, and free childcare is provided.  For more information, visit: http://www.portlandonline.com/osd

*Portland Water Bureau customers can get information and free devices at any time by calling (503) 823-4527, e-mailing conserve@water.ci.portland.or.us or ordering online at www.portlandonline.com/water/conservation

Lisa Peters

Water Conservation Program Assistant

Just how much water does that seemingly innocent leak waste? You may think it's just a small leak, but what if you have two of them? What if your neighbor has three leaks? What if everyone in your neighborhood had just one leak? It all adds up to a lot of wasted water. Find out how much water is wasted by linking to the USGS Link Calculator.

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer

When I moved to Portland several years ago, I knew that my life would be different. There were obvious differences like the winter rain and differences that took me longer to notice like Portland's love of coffee, beer and dogs. Differences or not, I have fallen in love with this city and have no plans to move back to the Midwest anytime soon.

Last week, like so many others, I braved the airports and headed home for a holiday visit. Every time I visit, I notice something new about my hometown that just doesn't quite compare to Portland. This time I noticed the water. For one thing I noticed the lack of water bottle recycling- granted Portland seems to be far ahead of many other American cities in the recycling arena anyway- but very few people made an effort to recycle water bottles (or much else for that matter). It made me cringe, I must admit. I desperately wanted to dig those bottles out of the trash and take them to the recycling center.

The other thing that caught my attention was when my brother went to get a drink of water from the kitchen tap. One of my family members immediately scolded him yelling, "Ick! No! Don't drink the tap water! It's gross!" Ironically, the drinking water in my hometown was recently rated among the top 10 cleanest water sources in the nation. I drank it the entire time I was there and thought it tasted pretty decent, though it certainly didn't compare to the great tasting tap water we drink here in Portland! I couldn't understand, however, why no one wanted to drink from the tap- the water was perfectly fine! I, of course, spent the remainder of my trip convincing everyone to try the tap water. I'll make "Portlanders" out of them yet!

Happily back in my rainy, coffee-loving Portland home, I drank a cold glass of tap water earlier today. I have been a bit sick the past couple days and it really hit the spot. Drinking it made me think about the differences in cultures we can find in our own country- state to state and city to city. I realized how happy I am that I now live in a city where people pride themselves on being good stewards of our environment and happily drink water from the tap.

On a personal note, I am so proud to work for the Portland Water Bureau, where we deliver clean, cold, cheap and constant water to more than 800,000 people on a daily basis. Like Administrator David Shaff mentioned in his Merry Christmas blog, our customers never stop needing water and as we move into 2008, we will continue to provide it 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. As we enter 2008, I know that I speak on behalf of the entire Portland Water Bureau in wishing all of our customers a Happy New Year!

Jennie Day

Interim Public Information Officer 

From billing customers, producing legally required documents and information to mapping water supply infrastructure, the Water Bureau uses a lot of paper.

• 58 trees
• 1,915 pounds of CO₂
• 21 million BTU’s of energy use
• 11,955 gallons of wastewater
• 1,686 pounds of solid waste

• 3 solar-powered stages of live entertainment – Manta Ray Stage, Fire Stage, and Kids’ Village Stage. Wide range of music and performers!
• 100+ local and sustainable businesses and environmental organizations
• Better Transportation Fair
• Health and Wellness area
• Free Seed and Plant Exchange
• Hands-on activity booths for kids of all ages – interactive games, recycled art projects, poster making, a mini-triathlon, peace banners, graffiti wall and more
• Organized bicycle rides starting from 18 locations around N, NE, SE, NW and SW Portland (led by Community Exchange Cycle Touring Club volunteers).

• Conservation helps reduce peak (summer) season demand. This means less use of more expensive groundwater.
• Conservation helps the city meet its Endangered Species Act obligations to provide water for fish habitat.
• Conservation programs help individual companies save on their water/sewer bill, which helps keep jobs in Portland. 
• Conservation helps us meet our sustainability objectives including less production, transportation, and use of treatment chemicals.
• Conservation programs help us meet the bureaus’ goal of providing an affordable service, especially for our low-income community members.

Last spring the Water Bureau teamed up with the Portland Department of Transportation to provide sustainability information directly to homes in the Northeast Portland “Hub” neighborhood. 

• “Awesome!”
• “I love the new garden hose nozzle. I was still using the old brass one that is about 75 years old and just knocks down tall flowers. The new nozzle with all kinds of settings was gentle on flowers of all kinds and heights and only got water where it was needed. Being unemployed since May 31st I use it daily on my garden it's a huge blessing. THANKS”
•  “I was impressed with the amount of useful things I received, especially in the water conservation kits.”
• “I had the best crop of vegetables ever and I replanted a lawn successfully using the info you guys provided, along with the watering schedule and nozzle.”

• 182 million gallons on August 3, 2005
• 187 million gallons on July 27, 2004
• 198 million gallons on July 30, 2003
• 177 million gallons on August 14, 2002