PORTLAND, Ore. — Some Northwest and Southwest Portland households may be experiencing discolored water due to a large main break Saturday morning. Around 15 properties are also without water service.
According to the Portland Water Bureau, the break happened around 9:30 a.m. near Northwest 29th and 31st avenues and Northwest Yeon Avenue, and crews are on the scene. Mostly, Northwest Portland households are affected.
The Portland Water Bureau said that the properties that have no water have been issued a precautionary boil water notice.
The discoloration is due to a "fine, organic sediment that is always present in our pipes that was temporarily stirred up by the main break," the agency said, adding that the water is treated, and thus safe to use, though people can dip into their emergency water supply or use bottled water until their water runs clear.
Water Bureau Director Edward Campbell reiterated Saturday afternoon that people can shower and drink the water, counseling for patience as crews work to repair the main line, which might not be finished until Saturday evening.
Currently, there are no major traffic impacts. The main line can take many hours to repair due to its size, and the bureau will release updates and traffic impacts through its X/Twitter account.
“Your public health and access to your drinking water are our top priorities. Water main breaks can’t be predicted — one of the challenges of underground infrastructure — but we know that they can cause significant difficulties for our community members, especially our small businesses,” said Campbell in a statement. “Our skilled crews work around the clock 365 days a year. Rest assured, they’re working hard to get fresh water back to Portlanders taps as soon as possible.”
