The Washington Park Reservoir is once-in-a-generation project that provides a seismically resilient water supply for 360,000 westside water users and a beautiful new reflecting pool and plaza for the entire community to enjoy.
The Water Bureau replaced the original open-air reservoirs with a 12.4-million-gallon underground reservoir. This modern reservoir is an investment in a healthy, resilient, and secure water system and has been serving water to Portland's west side since 2021. The area on top of the new reservoir is now home to a public space for the entire community to enjoy.
Since the City's community celebration in June 2025, crews at the Portland Water Bureau have worked through complex engineering, operations, and construction challenges to make the public area of the reservoir site safe, accessible, and welcoming for the community.
This project is funded by Portlanders, and we're committed to using those funds wisely and delivering value for our community. While it's never ideal, large projects like this often experience prolonged construction and testing periods. Crews needed some extra time to make sure this space is safe and welcoming for the public and that our investment in seismically resilient infrastructure is built to last the next 100 years.
Visitors are invited to enjoy the historic charm and natural beauty of Washington Park's newest attraction. In the future, staff will occasionally close the reservoir space for maintenance and operational needs.
Source: City of Portland