Water Quality Safe After Gresham Reservoir Vandalism

Three people were caught recently after breaking into the reservoir.

Photo courtesy: ci.longmont.co.us

(GRESHAM, Ore.) - Water samples taken from the The City of Gresham's Grant Butte water distribution grid are negative for contamination following a vandalism break-in at the Grant Butte Reservoir Wednesday. That is what Gresham spokesperson Jill Foreman said, adding that the samples were directly from the reservoir.

"The test results have come in negative and the reservoir is still offline," said Brian Stahl, Water Division manager. "The Water Division will clean the reservoir prior to putting it back in service so that no doubt about the safety of the water remains in anyone's minds in the community."

Staff estimates it will be two to three weeks before the Water Division is able to utilize Grant Butte for storage.

Gresham Police responded to an intrusion alarm at the Grant Butte Water Reservoir early Wednesday morning and found three individuals, two juveniles and one adult, in the wooded area near the reservoir.

Water Division employees discovered graffiti spray paint on the reservoir and a lid pried off the access to the reservoir. The three suspects were detained and questioned. The criminal investigation is continuing.

The City of Gresham takes great pride in the quality and safety of its water supply, including its water reservoirs," said Director Dave Rouse of the Department of Environmental Services. "Unlawful tampering of any kind to the City's reservoirs, or any public facility, will be dealt with seriously."

The Department of Environmental Services provides and maintains public infrastructure and programs essential for protection of the environment and a better quality of life for our customers and the public. Visit us on the Web at ci.gresham.or.us/des