Water, the foundation of all life, should be democratically controlled by all people locally. Historically, water has been seen as a "common". In other words, something that was owned by all the people but yet, not owned by anyone. It was understood that all the people and all the animals needed water to live and, therefore, it belongs to all to share.
Yet, increasingly giant multi-national corporations around the world have attempted to gain control in order to gain enormous profits. They have used provisions in free trade and bilateral investment agreements, written in part by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to force privatization of publicly owned water systems with sometimes disastrous results.
The problem in...
the developing world
Tualatin Valley Water District Board Meeting
Third Wedensday each month , 7-9 PM
1850 SW 170th Ave.
Beaverton OR 97006The public is encouraged to attend board meetings. You do not need to live in the district.
Recent news clippingsThe Problem in Washington County with the Tualatin Valley Water District
The Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) (map) is Oregon's second largest public water district with approximately 200,000 users.
Traditionally, TVWD has sourced its water from the City of Portland's Bullrun water system. The Bullrun system, owned and operated by the City of Portland, was established in 1892 by President Harrison. The 142,000 acre Bull Run Forest Reserve began supplying water to Portland in 1895 and has continued to provide pure clean and safe water every since.
This watershed, located on the western slopes of Mt. Hood, is fed by over 130" of rain each year. It is a very well protected source of water for drinking and all other uses by over 800,000 people in Oregon.
Over 50% of the Bullrun watershed is old growth forest and is home to over 250 species of wildlife. Humankind is largest prohibited from entering the Bullrun. Pres. Theodore Roosevelt signed a "No Trespess" law govening access in 1904. (City of Portland tours are available)
Portland sells its water to wholesale customers thoughout the Portland metropolian area on long term contracts. The first such contract was to Gresham in 1912. These contracts were recently re-negotiated. Most of the cities signed 20 year contracts. TVWD, however, signed only a 10 year contract and therefore their ratepayers pay a higher rate than do the 20 year contract holders.
Our local Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is considering the possibility of using the Willamette River as its long-term water source, by contracting with the Willamette River plant. The plant is operated by Veolia, a multinational water corporation. TVWD is the second largest water district in the state, serving over 200,000 customers. It is likely that if this district chooses the Willamette River for its drinking water, other smaller districts in the Portland metro area will follow suit.
The Tualatin Valley Water District (parts of unincorporated Washington County and parts of Beaverton, Hillsboro and Aloha) currently gets some water from Bull Run, but appears to have virtually eliminated the Bull Run as an option for its long-term source. The TVWD Board is planning to make a choice between two other sources by the end of this year. The Willamette River option would cost an estimated $400 million to construct a 22-mile pipeline uphill to Washington County, through some heavily populated areas.
Reports about the record of the Veolia corporation show that many cities have experienced problems when this company has operated their systems. Some cities have revoked contracts because of poor customer service, fraudulent water quality reporting, and accusations of corruption.
Residents of the District have repeatedly expressed their opposition to changing from Bull Run Water to using the Willamette as their major source.
In 2005 the TVWD took a poll of the residents within its boundaries. The respondents preferred by more than 5 to 1 to retain Bull Run water over changing to Willamette River Water
The TVWD has on its books an ordinance passed in 2001 forbidding use of the Willamette River water for its drinking water without a referral to and a positive vote of the residents in its district.
The Board recently voted to stop taping its Board meetings for airing on cable tv. Very few residents of the district seem to be aware of the proposed changes in their future water source.
A group of citizens is organizing to oppose the possible move to the Willamette and to demand that the District stop spending money on the Willamette River option until it has received a Yes vote of the voters in the district in a duly held election. We seek a solution that would prevent privatization of our water supply.
If you want to learn more about how your water supply may be affected by current decision-making in the Willamette Valley, please call Dolores Hurtado ( 503-691-2468). You can make a difference in determining where you get your water.
Five Point position paper of the Families for Safe Water Coalition Would You Drink From the Willamette? Four page printable brochure (pdf format) The Willamete River (ranked third most endangered river in America) could become the principal water source for the Tualatin Valley Water District.
Problems with the use of Willamette River Water. Two page printable flyer (pdf format) The Willamette River has many problems which distract from its use as a source of drinking water. So, let's continue to use Bull Run Water. Top 10: Localize Water! One page printable fact sheet from Food and Water Watch (pdf format) . People are best served when water service is controlled by the people. Top 10: Why Water Privatization Fails. One page printable fact sheet from Food and Water Watch (pdf format) Time and time again privatization has failed. Here is why. A Closer Look at Veolia Environmental. A Food and Water Watch fact sheet. Veolia manages the Wilsonville Water Treatment Plant which would provide Willamette River water to the TVWD if the citizens intiative fails.
Updated 12-16-07
