The City of Troutdale encourages the wise use of all natural resources, including potable water. We do this in a number of ways, including the following:
- Financially
Our water rate schedule is totally dependent on the amount of water used. There is no base or minimum amount –– use less water and you will see a decrease in your water bill! - Accountability
We meter the water usage of all our customers, and we estimate the water usage for other major events (fire fighting, system flushing, etc). For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 we had a remarkably low water loss of only 3.6%. - Free Leak Detection
Customers who have a valid reason to suspect a leak in the water system may ask for a free leak detection test. If the initial test indicates that the leak is on the customer side of the meter, repair is the customer’s responsibility. If it is on the City’s side of the meter, the City will be responsible for its repair. (A leak on the City side of the meter does not affect the customer’s water bill, since that water does not flow through the meter.) - Free Meter Testing
Customers who have a valid reason to suspect a defective water meter may ask for a free meter test. If the meter is defective, it will be repaired or replaced by the City at no additional charge to the customer. - Public Information
Information on the wise use of water is available by contacting the Water Division or by visiting our Water Conservation Tips page. - Free Conservation Kit
Troutdale residents already appear to do a commendable job in the efficient use of water during our rainy weather. But our consumption data suggests that we slip up during the warmer summer months, probably the result of watering lawns, washing cars, and performing other summer routines. Unfortunately, the cost of infrastructure (wells, reservoirs, etc.) to meet these peak demands can be tremendous. To help minimize those peaks, we are now offering a free outdoor water conservation kit, consisting of a hose nozzle with six spray settings and an automatic shutoff, garden hose repair items, and a lawn and garden water gauge to help avoid over-irrigating. To get your free kit, simply stop by the Public Works Shop at 342 SW 4th Street between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This offer is for Troutdale residents only and only one kit to a household.
Want to know more? Call the Water Division at 503-674-3300. You can also visit www.waterwiser.org, a program of the American Water Works Association operated in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The City of Troutdale is a member of the Regional Water Providers Consortium. The Consortium provides leadership in the planning, management, stewardship, and resiliency of drinking water in the Portland, OR metropolitan region. Let the Consortium take the guesswork out of deciding how much water your landscape needs this summer by signing up for the Weekly Watering Number. Each week, between April and September, they will send you a zip-code-specific watering number, along with tips to help you use water efficiently.