I am honored to share some significant updates regarding our city’s water infrastructure and planning efforts. As your city councilor, I’m deeply committed to securing essential resources like water for our community. I take this responsibility seriously, and I’m excited to highlight the progress we’ve made and the path forward.
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our outstanding Public Works team, led by Public Works Director Rachel Sykes. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in guiding our water initiatives and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. I’m proud to work alongside such talented individuals who are committed to excellence.
On March 25, 2024, the Tualatin City Council unanimously approved Resolution 5760-24, marking a significant milestone in our journey to secure a sustainable water future for our community. This resolution solidifies a Water Sale Agreement with the City of Portland, providing additional assurance of water availability during times of heightened demand or emergencies. It’s a proactive measure that safeguards our community’s water supply and enhances our resilience in the face of challenges.
Central to our efforts is the Tualatin Water Master Plan—a comprehensive roadmap that outlines our water system’s direction for the next 20 years. Developed through collaboration and informed analysis, this plan serves as a guiding framework for addressing current needs and anticipating future demands. From water demand projections to infrastructure improvements, it covers various aspects crucial to our water management strategy.
In the past year, we’ve significantly improved our water infrastructure to better serve our growing community. Projects like the replacement of the waterline on Boones Ferry Road and the construction of new reservoirs and pump stations are critical steps toward improving system reliability and resilience. These investments ensure that our water system can meet the needs of our residents and businesses now and in the future.
From the Master Plan came recommended rate increases to help pay for projects and rising costs. Fortunately, Tualatin’s water is still one of the most affordable in our area, but timely investments are needed to ensure our water distribution system is efficiently maintained and able to meet water needs in the community.
For those interested in delving deeper into our water initiatives, transparency and community engagement are at the core of our governance. That’s why I encourage all residents to explore the details of our Water Master Plan and Resolution 5760-24 on the city’s website at www.tualatinoregon.gov/publicworks/water-master-plan. There, you’ll find comprehensive information, including detailed reports, maps, and presentations. Additionally, recordings of the City Council meeting where Resolution 5760-24 was passed are available for public viewing, ensuring transparency and accountability in our decision-making process.
Looking ahead, there are several key priorities on our agenda. First and foremost, we will continue to prioritize infrastructure improvements and maintenance to ensure the reliability and safety of our water system. This includes ongoing assessments of our aging infrastructure and proactive measures to address any potential vulnerabilities.
Additionally, we remain committed to exploring innovative solutions for water conservation and sustainability. From promoting water-efficient practices to investing in advanced technologies, we are dedicated to minimizing water waste and preserving this precious resource for future generations.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving our water goals. Whether it’s working closely with neighboring communities, engaging with water management agencies, or collaborating with academic institutions, we understand that addressing water challenges requires a collective effort.
In closing, I want to reaffirm my commitment to serving as a steward of Tualatin’s water resources. As your city councilor, I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable water management and ensure the long-term well-being of our community.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we can build a brighter future for Tualatin—one where clean, reliable water is accessible to all.
With gratitude,
Octavio Gonzalez
ogonzalez@tualatin.gov