2021 Drinking Water Quality Report - CITY OF GRESHAM, OREGON GOING BEYOND
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Drinking Water
Quality Report
2021
CITY OF GRESHAM, OREGON GOING BEYOND
2021 WATER QUALIT Y REPORT CIT Y OF GRESHAM, OREGON
The Future of Gresham’s Drinking Water Drinking Water Sources
The Columbia South Shore
Last year brought a historic decision and rights as a new water source would The Bull Run Watershed Well Field
new direction for the future of Gresham’s have significantly less impact to long-
is Gresham’s primary source of drinking water, provides high-quality drinking water from
drinking water supply. In October 2020, term water rates and give Gresham
located in the Mount Hood National Forest, 25 active wells located in three different
Gresham City Council unanimously voted and Rockwood better financial and 26 miles from Portland. The Portland Water aquifers. The well field is between the Portland
to expand the City’s partnership with the political control of their water future. Bureau and the U.S. Forest Service carefully International airport and Blue Lake Park.
Rockwood Water People’s Utility District A joint Gresham-Rockwood “Groundwater manage the watershed to sustain and supply Portland uses the well field for two purposes: to
(Rockwood) and develop a drinking water Master Plan” was developed in 2020 clean drinking water. In a typical year, the supplement the Bull Run supply in the summer,
supply sufficient to cut dependence on to set a road map for developing the watershed receives an astounding 135 inches of and to temporarily replace the Bull Run supply
purchasing water from the City of Portland. groundwater supply, and construction is precipitation (rain and snow), which flows into during turbidity events, maintenance activities,
This long-evaluated change in future water currently underway. Gresham is drilling new the Bull Run River and then into two reservoirs and emergencies.
supply was first brought about by the production wells at Kirk Park and testing that store nearly 10 billion gallons
of drinking water. The Columbia South Shore Well Field is
national Environmental Protection Agency’s groundwater capacity at SW Community
beneath homes and businesses with a variety
requirement that the City of Portland upgrade Park. Rockwood is also in the process of Source water assessments are completed of potential contaminant sources. The deep
treatment of the Bull Run water supply to drilling two new wells for the system. to identify contaminants of concern for aquifers that are the primary sources of water
remove an organism called cryptosporidium. These drilling projects will tap into the drinking water. For the Bull Run, the only supply have natural geologic protection from
Early cost projections for the construction of so-called “sand and gravel” aquifer. This contaminants of concern are naturally- pollutants present at the land surface. Portland,
the filtration plant would drastically increase deep underground aquifer is a plentiful, occurring microorganisms, such as Giardia, Gresham, and Fairview work together to
water rates for Gresham and Rockwood sustainable, and safe water source. It is the Cryptosporidium, fecal coliform bacteria, and protect the well field. The cities’ Groundwater
customers. To identify and analyze less same groundwater residents across the river total coliform bacteria. The Portland Water Protection Program staff work with residents
expensive options, Gresham and Rockwood in Vancouver have relied on for many decades, Bureau regularly tests Bull Run water for and businesses in the well field to ensure that
initiated a study. This study indicated that and the City of Portland uses it to supplement these microorganisms that live in virtually all pollutants from this urban area do not impact
developing Rockwood’s existing groundwater Bull Run water in summer months or during freshwater ecosystems. the groundwater source.
times of high turbidity (cloudiness or haziness The Portland Water Bureau treats water To learn more about groundwater protection
in the water). As this groundwater source is to control organisms that could make and find upcoming groundwater education
developed, we are mindful of differences in people sick but does not currently treat for events, visit
mineral content from surface water. Water Cryptosporidium. Portland is installing filtration portlandoregon.gov/water/groundwater.
treatment facilities will be incorporated to remove Cryptosporidium from drinking
to deliver the highest quality water to all water by 2027.
customers at the most affordable cost possible.
Portland’s source water assessment is The Cascade Well Field
To see more information regarding our available at portlandoregon.gov/water/ is jointly owned and operated by Gresham
groundwater project, please visit the City’s sourcewaterassessment or by calling and Rockwood Water People’s Utility District.
website at 503-823-7525. The wells are primarily used during the summer
Greshamoregon.gov/Water-Supply
months to supplement our supply from
Portland. This groundwater is from the Sand
Andrew C. Degner
and Gravel Aquifer, located approximately 600
Water Resources Operations Manager
feet below the surface. Access to groundwater
City of Gresham
helps Gresham to manage both water
503-618-2525
expenses and water quality. The City works
with Gresham and Fairview businesses to
The Cascade Bull Run
Well Field protect this important investment. For more
Lakeinformation about the Cascade Well Field
What is groundwater? GRESHAM or our Groundwater Protection Program,
visit GreshamOregon.gov/ Well-Field-
Groundwater is fresh water (from rain or Protection-Program or contact the City at
melting ice and snow) that soaks into the 503-618-2525.
ground and collects deep underground
in aquifers. Like water filling a sponge, it is
stored in and moves slowly
through these aquifers. Map provided by Regional
Water Providers Consortium.
1 2
Special Notice to Immuno-Compromised People
Some people may be more vulnerable advice about drinking water from their
to contaminants in drinking water health care providers. Environmental
than the general population. Immuno- Protection Agency, Centers for Disease
compromised people such as those with Control guidelines on appropriate
cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people means to lessen the risk of infection by
who have undergone organ transplants, Cryptosporidium and other microbial
people with HIV/AIDS or other immune contaminants are available from the
system disorders, some elderly, and Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
infants can be particularly at risk from 800-426-4791. See page 9 for more
infections. These people should seek information on Cryptosporidium.
The City of Gresham Learn More
is a member of the Regional
You’ll find information
Water Providers Consortium. about these topics and
The Consortium provides more at
GreshamOregon.gov/
leadership in the planning, Water-Resources
management, stewardship,
• Emergency resilience
and resiliency of drinking water
in the Portland, OR metropolitan region. Visit their website • FREE testing for lead
at www.regionalh2o.org to find out how to start your • Groundwater protection
emergency prep with water, get information and resources
• Toilet rebates
to use water efficiently at home, and to learn more about
the region’s drinking water. For example, did you know that • Utility billing and rates
Translation Public Participation
water providers care for more than 42,000 fire hydrants • Water conservation Do you need this document translated Interested in opportunties for public
into another language? Please call participation?
throughout the region?
• Water quality 503-618-2525.
Please visit GreshamOregon.gov/
Por información en Español, llame al Council-Meetings
503-618-2525.
GreshamOregon.gov/
CITY OF 1333 NW Eastman Parkway Oregon Health Authority
Для получения копии этого отчета на Council-Citizen-Advisory-Committees
GRESHAM
Gresham, OR 97030 Drinking Water Program
503-618-2525 971-673-0405 русском языкепозвоните по указанному
GreshamOregon.gov/Water-Resources oregon.gov/oha/ph/
GOING BEYOND Gresham Public Water System #4100357 healthyenvironments/drinkingwater ниже номеру 503-618-2525.
3 4
The City of Gresham’s water is monitored for more than 200 regulated and unregulated
Water Quality Data – 2020 Tables and notes contain only contaminants detected in 2020,
and indicate location where samples were collected.
contaminants. All monitoring data in this report are from 2020. If a known health-related
contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water.
Untreated Source Water from the Bull Run Watershed
Regulated Minimum Maximum Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) Sources of
Contaminant Detected Detected Treatment Technique (TT) or Maximum or Maximum Residual Contaminant
Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
Turbidity (NTU) 0.22 3.31 5 N/A Erosion of
natural deposits
Fecal Coliform Not 0% 10% N/A Animal wastes
Bacteria (% > 20 Detected
colonies/100mL
for 6 months
Giardia (#/1L) Not 0.06 TT N/A Animal wastes
Detected
Treated Drinking Water from Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field and Cascade Well Field Entry Points to Distribution System
Regulated Minimum Maximum Maximum Level Maximum Level Sources of
Contaminant Detected Detected (MCL)(MRDL) (MCLG)(MRDLG) Contaminant
Arsenic (ppb)
Definitions Notes On What the EPA Says
Haloacetic acids and total trihalomethanes -
Disinfection byproducts form when chlorine
Contaminants About Contaminants
interacts with naturally-occurring organic material Drinking water, including bottled water, may
Arsenic, Barium, Fluoride and Vanadium –
in the water. High levels of disinfection byproducts reasonably be expected to contain at least small
These metals are elements found in the earth’s
can cause health problems in people. Portland adds amounts of some contaminants. The presence of
crust. They can dissolve into water that is in
ammonia to form a more stable disinfectant, which
contact with natural deposits. At the levels found contaminants does not necessarily indicate that
helps minimize disinfection byproducts.
in Gresham’s drinking water, they are unlikely to water poses a health risk. More information about
contribute to adverse health effects. contaminants and potential health effects can be
Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL - The highest
level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking obtained by calling the Environmental Protection
Disinfection Byproducts – During disinfection,
water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
certain byproducts form as a result of chemical Radon can be detected at very low
using the best available treatment technology.
reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring levels in the Bull Run water supply,
800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater.
organic matter in the water. These byproducts can and at varying levels in Portland’s The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG -
have negative health effects. Trihalomethanes groundwater supply. Based on water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs,
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below
and haloacetic acids are regulated disinfection the historical levels of radon in
which there is no known or expected risk to health. springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of
byproducts that have been detected in Gresham’s groundwater combined with the
MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
water. Adding ammonia to chlorine results in a limited amount of groundwater used,
the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-
more stable disinfectant and helps to minimize the radon is unlikely to contribute to occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level or MRDL - material, and can pick up substances resulting from the
formation of disinfection byproducts. adverse health effects. For information
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking presence of animals or from human activity.
about radon, visit www.epa.gov/radon
water. There is convincing evidence that addition of
Fecal Coliform Bacteria – The presence of fecal or call the EPA’s Radon Hotline at
a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial
coliform bacteria in source water indicates that 800-SOS-RADON.
contaminants.
water may be contaminated with animal wastes.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal or
The Portland Water Bureau uses chlorine to kill Sodium – There is currently no Contaminants in drinking water
MRDLG - The level of a drinking water disinfectant
these bacteria. drinking water standard for sodium. sources may include:
Sodium is an essential nutrient. At the
below which there is no known or expected risk to
Giardia – Wildlife in the watershed may be hosts levels found in drinking water, it is • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,
health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use
to Giardia, the organism that causes giardiasis. unlikely to contribute to adverse health which may come from wildlife or septic systems.
of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
The Portland Water Bureau uses chlorine to control effects.
these organisms. • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals,
Nephelometric Turbidity Units or NTU - The unit
Total Chlorine Residual – Total which can occur naturally or result from urban
of measurement of turbidity or cloudiness in water as
Lead and Copper – There is no maximum chlorine residual is a measure of free stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater
measured by the amount of light passing through a
contaminant level (MCL) for lead or copper at chlorine and combined chlorine and discharges, or farming.
sample.
the entry point to the distribution system. The ammonia in our distribution system.
main source of lead and copper is the corrosion Chlorine residual is a low level of • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a
Part per Million (ppm) - One part per million
of building plumbing. Lead and copper are tested chlorine remaining in water and is variety of sources, such as farming, urban stormwater
corresponds to one penny in $10,000 or
at customers’ taps where levels are the highest. designed to maintain disinfection runoff, and home or business use.
approximately one minute in two years. One part
Infants and children who drink water containing through the entire distribution system.
per million is equal to 1,000 parts per billion.
lead in excess of the action level could experience • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic
delays in their physical or mental development. Total Coliform Bacteria – Coliforms and volatile organic chemicals, which
Part Per Billion (ppb) - One part per billion
Children could show slight deficits in attention are bacteria that are naturally present are byproducts of industrial processes, and can
corresponds to one penny in $10,000,000 or
span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this in the environment. They are used as also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff
approximately one minute in 2,000 years.
water over many years could develop kidney an indicator that other potentially- and septic systems.
problems or high blood pressure. For more harmful bacteria may be present. The
Picocuries Per Liter (pCi/L) - Measurement of • Radioactive contaminants, which can occur naturally.
information, see Reducing Exposure to Lead on Portland Water Bureau uses chlorine to
radioactivity. One picocurie is one trillion times
page 10. kill these bacteria.
smaller than one curie.
Nitrate / Nitrogen – Nitrate, measured as nitrogen, Turbidity – Turbidity is a measure of In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink,
Treatment Technique - A required process intended
can support microbial growth (bacteria and the water’s clarity. Increased turbidity the EPA has regulations that limit the amount of
to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
algae). Nitrate levels exceeding the standards can is typically caused by large storms
certain contaminants in water provided by public
contribute to health problems. At the levels found that suspend organic material in
Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA in Gresham’s drinking water, nitrate is unlikely to our source water. This can interfere
water systems and requires monitoring for these
has not established drinking water standards. The contribute to adverse health effects. with disinfection and provide an contaminants. Food and Drug Administration
purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to environment for microbial growth. regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled
help EPA determine their occurrence in drinking water Radon – Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive When turbidity rises, Gresham has two water which must provide the same protection for
and potential need for future regulation. gas that cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. groundwater supply options. public health.
7 8
Monitoring for Cryptosporidium Reducing Exposure to Lead
Drinking water treatment for Cryptosporidium, If present, elevated levels of lead can cause When your water has been sitting for several
a potentially disease-causing microorganism, serious health problems, especially for hours, you can minimize the potential for
is required by state and federal regulations. For pregnant women and young children. Lead lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30
five years, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in drinking water is primarily from materials seconds to two minutes before using water
did not require the Portland Water Bureau and components associated with service for drinking or cooking.
(PWB) to treat for Cryptosporidium based on lines and home plumbing. These materials
If you are concerned about lead in your
data showing that Cryptosporidium was rarely include lead-based solder used to join
water, the City encourages you to have
found in the Bull Run Watershed. Since 2017, copper pipe—commonly used in homes
your water tested. Information on lead
test results have showed low-level detections built or plumbed between 1970 and 1985—
in drinking water, testing methods, and
of Cryptosporidium. As a result OHA has brass components, and faucets.
steps you can take to minimize exposure is
determined that treatment is now necessary.
The City of Gresham is responsible for available from
Since then, Portland has made several decisions
providing high quality drinking water
about how to treat for Cryptosporidium, • Leadline, 503-988-4000,
to more than 70,000 people, but cannot
including choosing filtration as the treatment www.leadline.org
and Prevention (CDC), people with severely control the variety of materials used in
method and deciding on the location of the
weakened immune systems are at risk for more plumbing components. The City removed • Safe Drinking Water Hotline,
future treatment plant. The PWB is on track to
serious disease. all known lead service connections from 1-800-426-4791, www.epa.gov/
have the filtration plant built and running by
the water distribution system and has never safewater/lead
September 2027. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead
used lead service lines.
to serious life-threatening illness. Examples of
The PWB does not currently treat for
people with weakened immune systems include
Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under
those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases
drinking water regulations. Portland is working
that affect the immune system, and cancer
to install filtration by 2027 under a compliance
and transplant patients who are taking certain
schedule with OHA. In the meantime, the PWB
is implementing interim measures such as
immunosuppressive drugs.
FREE FREE LEAD TEST KITS and steps you can
watershed protection and additional monitoring The Environmental Protection Agency has
LEAD TEST take to minimize exposure are available from
to protect public health. Consultation with estimated that a small percentage of the
public health officials continues to conclude that population could experience gastrointestinal KITS Leadline, 503-988-4000, www. leadline.org
the general public does not need to take any illness from Cryptosporidium and advises that
additional precautions. customers who are immunocompromised
and receive their drinking water from the Bull
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause
cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms
Run Watershed consult with their health care Routine testing at homes with higher risk of lead in water
professional about the safety of drinking the tap The City of Gresham offers free lead-in-water tests to Testing results exceed the federal action level for lead
can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and
water. anyone in the service area. Twice each year, the City when more than 10 percent of results from these
stomach pain. People with healthy immune
of Gresham also collects water samples from a group homes are above 15 parts per billion. In the most
systems recover without medical treatment. For more information, visit of over 60 homes that have lead solder and are more recent round of testing, less than 10 percent of
According to the Centers for Disease Control portlandoregon.gov/water/crypto likely to have higher levels of lead in water. homes exceeded the lead action level.
Lead and Copper Sampling at High-Risk Residential Taps
Detected in Residential Water Taps EPA’s Limits
Regulated Sources of
2020 Results of Cryptosporidium Contaminant Fall 2020
Results
Homes Exceeding
Action Level
Action
Level
MCLG Contaminants
Monitoring at the Raw Water Intake 4 out of 63
Lead (ppb) 12 15 0 Corrision of household
(6.35%) and commercial
Number of Samples Concentration Detected (oocysts/L) building plumbing
0 out of 63 systems
Copper (ppm) 0.346 (0%) 1.3 1.3
Total Tested Positive for Cryptosporidium Minimum Maximum
1
90th Percentile: 90 percent of the sample results were less than the values shown.
2
Action Level definition: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or
185 39 Not Detected 0.08 requirements of which a water system must follow.
3
See page 7 for definitions.
9 10
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Register now at PublicAlerts.org to receive critical information when an emergency is
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For more information about the
City of Gresham’s efforts regarding
emergency resilience, visit our
website at
GreshamOregon.gov/
Emergency-Management
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