City Reports Resilient Water Supply in Corvallis

Water utility officials at the City of Corvallis are expressing confidence in the municipal water supply after a thorough review, prompted by the news of a toxic algae bloom affecting the water supply of cities in the northern Willamette Valley.

Corvallis Public Works staff have been in close contact with drinking water specialists from the Oregon Health Authority. This joint review of the Corvallis system revealed a number of factors that contribute to a more resilient water supply in the City. In addition to these advantages, the City of Corvallis has started testing for the bacteria that was identified in Salem.

Key factors for a resilient water supply in Corvallis include:

• Redundant Water Sources - The City operates two water treatment plants, each drawing water from distinct, separate water sources – the Willamette River in Corvallis, and Rock Creek on the slopes of Marys Peak. This is unusual for most municipalities and offers important advantages. Having two distinct water sources allows utility operators to adjust the flow of water from each plant in the event of a water emergency.
   
• Improved Filtration - The Taylor Water Treatment Plant in Corvallis uses a filtration system that has been proven effective at dealing with toxic cyanobacteria from algae blooms. The granular activated carbon system used by the City of Corvallis was renewed with fresh material in 2017, so it is highly effective.
   
• Communication with Partners - The City of Corvallis is in close communication with partner agencies that draw water from the Willamette River – particularly the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), which manages the water for the City of Eugene, about 45 miles south of Corvallis. Any issues with the Willamette River would likely be first noticed by EWEB and reported to partner agencies.

“These key factors should give the community confidence that the water supply in Corvallis is safe,” said Utilities Division Manager Tom Hubbard.

For more information on drinking water in Corvallis, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/water.