Tap Talk: Gresham Groundwater Town Hall July 21, 2026

This virtual town hall meeting held by the City of Gresham on July 21, 2026, focused on the transition of the city's water supply from the Bull Run Reservoir to the Cascade Groundwater system. City water department officials and elected representatives discussed the rationale behind the switch, emphasizing cost savings compared to continuing to purchase treated water from Portland, whose treatment plant costs have significantly increased. The city has invested in infrastructure funded through water revenues, loans, and grants, avoiding use of the general fund. The meeting addressed community concerns about water taste, odor, hardness, and quality, explaining the changes in disinfection methods and water characteristics. Officials encouraged residents to report any water quality issues for investigation and highlighted ongoing public outreach efforts. No new contracts or procurement actions were announced, but the discussion underscored the financial and operational impacts of the groundwater project on water rates and infrastructure investment.