Only Tap Water Delivers!

May 4-10th is National Drinking Water Week, and the Portland Water Bureau joins water utilities across North America to highlight the importance of a safe, reliable water supply to our overall quality of life - from public health protection and fire suppression to the critical role it plays in supporting the economy.

Public Health Protection

In a world where an estimated three million people die every year from preventable waterborne diseases, people in North America can drink from virtually any public tap with a high assurance of safety. Without our modern water systems, diseases such as cholera and dysentery would be a tragic part of our everyday life.

Fire Protection

In the United States alone, over 1.5 million fires happen each year. While most of us never think about fires until they occur, there is a vast network of water infrastructure in place to protect us when they do.

Support for the Economy

Though often taken for granted, tap water is critical to the daily operations of existing businesses and to the vitality of new commercial enterprises and residential developments in a host of important ways.

In an effort to bring conversation about the value of tap water above ground, the Portland Water Bureau will continue to highlight the need to protect and preserve our most valuable natural resource - drinking water.

In fact, next month, the bureau will unveil it's new "I Only Drink Tap Water," campaign, designed to remind our customers that from forest to faucet, the Portland Water Bureau delivers the best drinking water in the world. Look for your complimentary window cling or bumper stick at upcoming Water Bureau events.

David Shaff

Water Bureau Administrator