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Environmental Services

Water Advisory

There are no water advisories in Gresham at this time.

For more information, visit the Regional Water Providers Consortium water advisory tool.

What is a water advisory?

A precautionary water advisory or boil water notice alerts the community when there is a disruption in our water delivery or treatment system. Advisories may affect small service areas and stay in effect until test results show the water is safe. 

How long does a boil water notice last?

Water samples are sent to a laboratory for testing. Results take up to 24 hours. Once the test confirms water is safe to drink, the water advisory is lifted.

What does the City do during an advisory?

  • Flushes the waterline.
  • Sends water samples to a lab for testing.
  • When tests confirm the water is safe, the boil water notice is lifted. 

 

Boil Water Safely

Boil water safely

  1. Heat water on the stove until it comes to a rolling boil. 
  2. Boil water for one minute.
  3. Turn off heat and let water cool on the stove. 
  4. You can use the water once it has cooled.

When to use boiled or bottled water

  • Drinking. This includes making coffee, tea or powdered drinks.
  • Washing food that isn’t cooked or baked. 
  • Mixing baby formula. Wash all bottle or pump parts with soapy tap water and sterilize with boiled water. 
  • Adding water to food without cooking or baking (instant oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc.).
  • Brushing teeth and gargling. 
  • Making ice.
  • Cleaning food contact surfaces (cutting boards or countertops).
  • Taking medication. 
  • Cleaning wounds or sores. 
  • Drinking water for pets. 
When Boiled or Bottled Water Is Not Required

<p>During a water advisory, you do not need to boil your water for the following:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Showering or bathing.</li>
<li>Washing dishes,&nbsp;utensils and cookware. Use soapy tap water and let air dry. You can use your dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Laundry, general cleaning and mopping.</li>
<li>Rinsing contact lenses. Contact lenses should be cleaned with a contact lens solution. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry thoroughly.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Watering plants and irrigating. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

What Causes a Boil Water Notice?
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requires water suppliers to alert residents to boil their water when conditions occur that could make water unsafe.
 

A boil water notice is required when:

  • Water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch or there is a major pipe break. Low pressure can let contaminants enter the drinking water system. As a precaution, we will notify the community to boil water if there is a loss of pressure. 
  • Water treatment standards are not met. 
  • Water tests show possible contamination.
The City's water treatment and transmission lines exceed regulatory requirements. Our annual water quality report provides in-depth information about the quality of Gresham's water. 
 

Resources

What to do after a boil water notice is lifted

  1. Run all the water taps for 2 minutes.
  2. Throw out all ice and beverages made with non-boiled water during the event. 
  3. Throw out any food made with water that was not thoroughly cooked to about 165 degrees Farenheit during the event.  Food cooked to a temperature above 165 Farenheit is safe to consume. 

Water filters should not be impacted. 

Resources

Stay informed