Hell does not have to freeze over

(Portland Water Bureau staff stated in January that hell would freeze over before we could save our open reservoirs, which have provided safe and affordable drinking water for over 100 years.)

Over 100 people turned out for Wednesday morning's water rate hearing, which ran over its alloted 30 minutes by almost 5 hours. Forty-five people signed up to speak on behalf of protecting our open reservoirs from senseless LT2 projects, including Siltronics, Portland Bottling Co., Yo Cream, Alsco Linen, and Physicians for Social Responsibility. The next morning Mayor Sam Adams convened a good meeting to learn more about the new legal opinion and an alternate path that could prevent wasteful spending.
Urgent Update: See "What You Can Do" on right panel

KBOO's Joe Meyer ran a 4 minute piece which holds several interesting quotes from Fritz, Saltzman, and Adams (they begin at minute 2:45). But if there is one thing I aboslutely don't want you to miss it's the quote from Dave Wagner, formerly of EPA's Office of General Council, stating there is a legal path to both a variance and a timeline extension for the reservoirs (minute 1:52). It seems Hell does not have to freeze over before our reservoirs can be saved!

New legal opinion!

Click here to read legal expert's opinion on opportunity to secure a variance and change schedule of compliance for costly and unnecessary LT2 rule.

Come to City Hall TODAY, May 18!

Finally! This is YOUR opportunity to tell City Council what you think of the Water Bureau's proposed rate increase of 12 -14% this year and 84.7% over next 5 years.  Tell Council to "press pause" on unnecessary LT2 projects.  

Concerned citizens must pack the house, so spread the word!

Time: 10:15 am on Wednesday, May 18

Location: Council Chambers, Portland City Hall

(City Hall is between Jefferson and Madison on SW 4th Ave)

PLEASE SHOW UP.   Testimony can be very brief (2-3 minutes). Identify yourself, state why you don't want water rates to go up  and please ask City Council to:

 1) Vote NO on water rate increases;

2) Call for a time-out on new LT2 construction projects;

3) Submit a new plan/schedule and

4) Apply to the State of Oregon for variances for Bull Run and reservoirs. 


If Council asks for "no repeat" testimony, stand strong and say your piece.  Your reasons and your personal story are your own.


If you bring written testimony, please bring 7 copies so it goes in the record.