100 Years of Bend Water

For a century, Bend has been sustained by clean, clear, mountain water. We’re celebrating this remarkable milestone, and we want you to join us.

A bright mountain spring cascades over rocks, framed by lush greenery and vivid red wildflowers in the foreground.

Bend’s Water Story: Past, Present and Future

In Bend, we’re lucky to have some of the best water in the world. For 100 years, our community has relied on clean, clear water that begins high in the Cascades, with rain and snow recharging our watershed and aquifer. But our story is bigger than drinking water alone — it’s the story of an interconnected system that includes water supply, wastewater treatment and stormwater management, all working together to keep Bend healthy, resilient and thriving.

Since 1926, Bend has transformed its water infrastructure from wooden pipes and river-drawn drinking water into a modern, safe and reliable dual-source drinking water system. Today, we continue planning far into the future, stewarding a system that safeguards public health, supports our local economy, protects our natural areas and delivers reliable, great tasting water every day.

This year, we invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone — recognizing our history, honoring the people who keep our system running and exploring the natural systems that make Bend’s water exceptional.

Read about Bend’s water history

Each season, we’ll share activities that invite you to learn, explore, and protect Bend’s interconnected water systems. You can dive in at any time — in whatever way inspires you.