IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or online at epa.gov/safewater.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and in some cases, radioactive material and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.

CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER SOURCES MAY INCLUDE:

• Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, or farming.
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are byproducts of industrial processes and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protections for public health.

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PERSONS

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.

The City of Bend Utility Department is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact the Utility Department's Water Quality and Lab Services staff at 541-317-3000, ext. 2.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure are available at epa.gov/safewater/lead.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE CDC  

Ensure the Safety of the Building Water System and Devices After a Prolonged Shutdown 

Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for the growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria. When water is stagnant, hot water temperatures can decrease to the Legionella growth range (77–108°F, 25–42°C). Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of
disinfectant, such as chlorine. Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.

Information and guidance for Building Water Systems to ensure the safety of your building water system and devices after a prolonged shutdown, including steps to take before your business or building reopens, are available on the CDC website.

DEFINITIONS AND UNITS OF MEASURE

Action Level
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)
The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below, which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.

Most Probable Number (MPN)
A method used to estimate the concentration of microorganisms.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU)
A measure of water’s clarity (turbidity).

Not Applicable (N/A)

Not Detected (ND)
Substance not detectable using current monitoring equipment.

Part per Million (ppm)
Also known as milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is equal to the number of milligrams of a substance in one liter of water. One part per million is equal to 1,000 parts per billion.

Part per Billion (ppb)
Also known as micrograms per liter (μg/L), which is equal to the number of micrograms of a substance in one liter of water.

Part per Trillion (ppt)
Also known as nanograms per liter (ng/L) which is equal to the number of nanograms of a substance in one liter of water.

90th Percentile
This means that 90 percent of the samples collected were equal to or below the value reported.

Treatment Technique
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

TIPS FOR READING REPORT TABLES

• Start on the top left and read across the tables.
• Maximum and Minimum Amount Detected represents the measured amount.
• Unit is the means of measurement.
• Typical Source of Substance tells where the substance usually originates.
• In Compliance means the amount of the substance did not exceed government requirements.
  

For more definitions, tips, and an easy-to-read EPA infographic about understanding your water quality report, visit the EPA website.

Unregulated contaminants are those that don't yet have a drinking water standard set by USEPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. The Bend Water Department monitors unregulated contaminants under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). The latest sampling under the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) began in 2023 and will conclude by 2025. UCMR 5 results from 2023 are detailed in table above and have found 6 detections among 488 non-detect results of per and poly flouro alkyl substances (PFAS). Two of the detections exceeded US EPA health advisory levels (HALs).

Information about UCMR 5 detections and PFAS at the Bend Water Department can be found by clicking here.

State of Oregon health advisories for PFAS can be found by clicking here. 

US EPA health advisories for PFAS can be found by clicking here. 

UCMR 5 test results and data for the Bend Water Department and other public water systems is available for review by clicking here.

For further information, you may also visit the EPA website on unregulated contaminant monitoring rule by clicking here or by calling EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

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BRIDGE CREEK WATERSHED

 
 (Video Credit:  Scott Nelson)

Since 1926, pristine water from the Bend Municipal Watershed has been the primary source of drinking water for the City of Bend's residents and businesses. When water demands increase during the summer because of outdoor landscape watering, groundwater must be pumped from the Deschutes Regional Aquifer to supplement our surface water supplies. Bend is fortunate to have these two water supply sources to meet peak season demand and use during emergencies.

1. BEND MUNICIPAL WATERSHED
   Our surface water source from deep in the Deschutes National Forest is our primary supply all year. The video above shows Prowell Springs, our source spring in the Bend Municipal Watershed.
    

2. DESCHUTES REGIONAL AQUIFER
   The wells pump groundwater from the Deschutes Regional Aquifer to meet supply demands during peak season months and emergencies.

Both sources depend on rain and snowfall high in the Cascade Range to recharge Bend’s watershed and our regional aquifer. Our clear, cold drinking water has won numerous awards for Best Tasting Water locally and regionally. It also won an Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Public Health Protection Award.

EXCEPTIONAL SOURCES ARE JUST THE START

1. SURFACE WATER TREATMENT
   All surface water from Bend Municipal Watershed is treated at the Water Filtration Facility by membrane filtration, which removes pathogens and other particles too small for the naked eye to see. A small amount of chlorine is added to deactivate any viruses and bacteria while keeping our network of storage tanks and pipelines clean. The image below shows a snapshot of the surface water filtration process.
   
2. GROUNDWATER DISINFECTION
   Groundwater is naturally filtered by layers of soil, volcanic rock, sand, and gravel. Small amounts of chlorine are added when the water is pumped to make it safe to drink and keep our distribution system of storage tanks and pipelines clean.

LABORATORY TESTING

City of Bend drinking water was tested more than 2,500 times in 2023.

Water professionals routinely collect samples from throughout our drinking water system for laboratory testing. All testing of the City of Bend drinking water is performed by accredited laboratories. The City of Bend Water Quality Laboratory is accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) to National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) standards. This allows the City of Bend Water Quality Laboratory to perform microbiological analyses of drinking water and report results to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

In order to maintain the ORELAP accreditation, all analysts must pass proficiency testing each year for every water quality test performed. Scientists, chemists, and microbiologists test the water for over 100 potential contaminants with equipment so sensitive it can detect levels as low as one part per trillion.

Water quality test results are maintained in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), a sophisticated database that enables a quick response to changes in water quality and analysis of water quality trends. Our 2023 water quality test results are included in this report.

WHAT IS STORMWATER AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 

Stormwater is water from rain or snow melt that collects on or runs off surfaces such as roofs, buildings, roads, or paved or unpaved land surfaces and does not percolate into the ground or evaporate. Stormwater flows via overland flow, interflow pipes, and other features of a stormwater drainage system into a defined surface water body or constructed infiltration or evaporation facility.

Stormwater runoff increased over time as cities grew, land development increased, and impervious surfaces reduced natural infiltration. Instead of natural forests and meadows acting like a sponge to absorb the rainwater as it falls, hard surfaces (like streets, sidewalks, buildings, etc.) change the travel path and flow rate of water. Stormwater gutters and pipes were originally installed to prevent flooding caused by hard surfaces by quickly moving the water to streams. However, stormwater runoff can impact water quality as it flows over surfaces collecting pollutants such as oil, grease, bacteria, chemicals, sediment, and pesticides before flowing into the Deschutes River or towards our groundwater supply. There are many simple practices that everyone can do to help keep stormwater clean and protect our valuable water resources. Learn more by visiting our bendoregon.gov/stormwater.

Some of the infrastructure used to manage stormwater in Bend are listed here: 

Bend has over 11,000 storm drain catchments or inlets (areas where stormwater enters infrastructure) throughout the City. Every storm drain connects to pipes that lead to either: (see graphic at right)
   (A) underground "injection" facilities that infiltrate groundwater
   (B) the Deschutes River without treatment
   (C) landscape facilities.
   

NOT THE SAME AS SEWER PIPES

Bend’s stormwater system is entirely separate from wastewater-sewer pipes. Stormwater is NOT treated at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).

MANAGING STORMWATER

The City’s Stormwater Program focuses on flood prevention, system maintenance, and protecting our local surface water and groundwater resources. Stormwater Program components address public education, public participation, illicit discharge elimination, construction site compliance, post-construction best management practices and facilities, municipal maintenance activities, and monitoring of stormwater quality. 

The City helps ensure underground drinking water sources and our river are not negatively impacted by stormwater pollutants or spills. The City’s municipal stormwater system operates under two permits from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. It continues to successfully implement the provisions within the permits to protect surface and groundwater quality. Current activities that help with water quality permit compliance include illicit discharge enforcement and spill response, construction site compliance, education on low-impact development, and water quality monitoring.

The City’s former Stormwater Public Advisory Group began in 2008 to provide input and continually improve the program. In 2022, the City created the Utility Public Advisory Group to focus on both stormwater and water conservation issues as a combined effort. Recent efforts are focused on exploring strategies to handle stormwater under increasing density while being protective of water quality and promoting water conservation. City staff are actively working to implement recommendations from the Utility Public Advisory Group.

CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROTECTS YOUR WATER QUALITY 

The City of Bend Safe Drinking Water Program is committed to protecting water quality. Certain hydraulic conditions can cause water to flow opposite its intended direction; this is called backflow, and it can be dangerous. 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENTS

A Source Water Assessment of all City of Bend groundwater wells was completed in 2013. A Source Water Assessment for the City of Bend’s surface water was completed in 2003.

Assessments consist of the following:

1. Identification of the Drinking Water Protection area
2. Identification of potential sources of pollution within the Drinking Water Protection area
3. Determination of the susceptibility or relative risk to the surface water from those sources.

To request a copy, call the Utility Department at 541-317-3000, ext. 2. In addition, Oregon DEQ and OHA prepare separate Source Water Assessment reports. These can be found at the State of Oregon: Department of Environmental Quality. 

CLIMATE PROOFING OUR LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY 

Long-term water supply planning today must address multiple risks. Will there be enough water in the future to meet all needs? How will Bend manage through more frequent drought cycles? Where will new supplies come from to meet the needs of growth? How will we protect water quality? What will a changing climate do to basin water supplies? The City of Bend, in collaboration with multiple partners in the Deschutes Basin, is working collaboratively on these issues. For the City, it all starts with carefully managing and maximizing the efficient use of our existing dual-source supplies.

In 2021 Bend completed an integrated update to its Water System Master Plan and state-required Water Management and Conservation Plan. These plans integrated the typical water master planning engineering work (pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities) and analyzed changes to the long-term water demand forecast. The plans show that investing in more conservation can delay the need to build three new wells and one new reservoir, saving over $20 million in water system capital investment.  Remember, any facilities we do not build, we will not have to spend staff time or additional funds to operate, maintain or replace in the future.  

The last twenty years of water production data show our efforts are working (See graph above). Our WaterWise program, along with our data-driven Water Loss Control Program and integrated planning approach, is slowing the need for new supplies while our need for energy for pumping and chemical costs for treatment. Our maximum day demand (MDD) during the summer of 2022 was still less than it was in 2008, even though we have more than doubled the number of customer meters since 2000. Bend is part of a national trend of declining municipal demand for water as better water-saving technology is available for home appliances, toilets, and washers. Outdoors on the landscape, new irrigation technology linked with our AMI meters and water budget tools are producing results too. The City is now rolling out additional conservation program elements, including offering rebates and incentives for customers who implement water-saving measures, implementing water-efficient development codes, and enforcing water waste code violations. For more details, please visit bendoregon.gov/water. 

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY WATERWISE

Bend offers many programs and free resources to help you become the most efficient water user you can be!  Conservation has direct benefits to help preserve and protect our water sources and generate associated benefits by helping prevent runoff and waste.  

Are you WaterWise? Log in to WaterSmart and see. 

The first step in saving water is knowing how much water you use. Learn where and how much water you use by connecting to our WaterSmart Program at bendoregon.gov/watersmartinfo. You can access your water use broken down by year, month, and day to help identify leaks and manage water-saving efforts. In the last year, 14,063 automatic leak alerts were sent through WaterSmart, alerting customers to constant consumption in their homes or business. Log in to WaterSmart today!

Indoor Water Use

In a typical home, the toilets, showers, and faucets are where we consume the most water inside. Therefore, these are the best water-saving investments we can make to save water indoors. Looking for EPA WaterSense labeled devices ensures we are using less water each time we use it in our homes. 

  Indoor Out

door Water Consumption

 

INDOOR CONSERVATION      

Free Indoor Water Conservation Kits
The City of Bend distributes free Indoor Conservation Kits to Bend utility customers, typically during November-February, and kits include EPA WaterSense labeled showerheads, faucet aerators, and shower timers. 

Practical Plumbing Handbook
The homeowner guide provides information about diagnosing leaks and repairing and replacing indoor devices. Request a copy at conservation@bendoregon.gov - include your address and contact information.

WaterSmart Leak Notifications
Automatic leak detection alerts are sent to customers. Save water and prevent potential damage to structures. 

Outdoor Water Use

In Bend, 60 percent of the water used annually goes through a sprinkler system to the landscape. Given its potential for savings, conservation efforts focus primarily on outdoor water use education and technical assistance.  

OUTDOOR CONSERVATION

Sprinkler Inspection Program Typically, 150-200 inspections are completed each growing season between April and October, providing Bend utility customers the educational and technical expertise to efficiently manage residential irrigation systems without waste.

Large Landscape Program
We work with parks, schools, and larger landscape owners, providing technical expertise to efficiently manage large landscape irrigation systems and follow a customized water budget. We even set up alerts of water use per connection so a water budget can be tracked.

Water Waste Prevention Program
As described in Bend's water use code, we offer customer education, guidance, and technical expertise to prevent water waste. We strive for proactive adherence to the rules through education and communication, but we also respond to waste events in a regulatory compliance role. Follow the instruction on the Water Waste Prevention Program page to find out what our code says and how to report a water waste case.
 

More Water Conservation Resources

Check WaterWisetips.org for free resources to help you save!

• Seasonal Programs
• Free Workshops
• WaterWise Guides
• Rebates