Gresham residents take a water walk

Residents toured the Rockwood Water Facility to learn more about their new water

Know Your Water tour

Gresham residents got to see their new water system up close at the Sept. 24 "Know Your Water" tour. Hosted at the Rockwood Water Treatment Facility, the City of Gresham and Rockwood Water People's Utility District- partners in the Cascade Groundwater Alliance- treated more than 30 residents in attendance to a tour and historical overview of the facility.

"We've been interested in your [newsletter] articles on the transition from Bull Run water to groundwater," Pete Forsyth, a Gresham resident, told City staff. "This was a good opportunity to see how this works."

Since the transition from Bull Run Reservoir to locally controlled groundwater was completed in April 2026, City of Gresham staff have continued to work with residents experiencing differences between the previous water supply and the new, slightly harder water.

"For me, the transition has been seamless," added Forsyth. "Although my wife has noted that she has more water spots on her flowers."

The tour offered residents the opportunity to ask Gresham and Rockwood Water staff questions about water quality, learn about the award-winning treatment facility, and hear from experts about how local control will ensure lower future rate increases compared to neighboring water systems.

"I am convinced this water is clean and safe, but there is a taste difference," says Clint Walker, a Gresham resident who wanted to learn more about the recent transition from Bull Run Reservoir to locally controlled groundwater. "But we have to be fiscally responsible."

"Having things stay more affordable is definitely a plus," says Sage Michaels, a school teacher who says she has experience with underserved students and families. "From a cost perspective, the transition to groundwater, absolutely makes sense. It's the responsible thing to do."

City staff organized the water facility tour at the suggestion of City Council, who continue to seek ways to engage with residents about the critical water transition project providing a sustainable and fiscally responsible pathway to securing an essential resource for the community.

Commitment to our community

"We have appreciated hearing from the community during this transition," says Gresham City Councilor Janine Gladfelter, who also attended the tour. "I have been impressed with the way our Water Department has responded to questions and concerns some of our residents have raised throughout the process, and these tours are another great example of their commitment to our community."

"When people are able to speak competently and confidently about what they're doing, and be open about it, that's a good thing," says Michaels.

At the end of the tour, residents continued to pour over charts on display and ask questions of tour guides and City staff. A few residents even took the opportunity to put their mark on the facility, signing their names to one of the water tanks to mark the great event.

"Seeing the facility is great because I'm now able to see that we have quite a system in place," added Walker.

Take a tour

The Cascade Groundwater Alliance will continue treatment facility tours throughout October, with planned engagements:

• Thursday, October 1
• Thursday, October 15
• Thursday, October 29

You can find out more and RSVP for these tours by visiting GreshamOregon.gov/events.

Learn more about our water and ask our Water team your questions, visit GreshamOregon.gov/Cascade-Groundwater-Alliance.