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Tualatin council approves deal to tap Clean Water Services’ recycled ‘purple pipe’ for park irrigation
Summary
The City of Tualatin on May 11 approved an intergovernmental agreement with Clean Water Services to construct and connect a recycled (nonpotable) “purple” pipeline to irrigate parks and other city lands, citing water‑conservation and river‑temperature benefits; the resolution passed unanimously.
Tualatin’s City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Clean Water Services to construct and maintain an initial segment of recycled‑water pipeline to serve city parks and facilities.
City public works staff and Clean Water Services representatives told council the project would deliver Class A reclaimed water for irrigation, reducing use of potable supplies and helping address thermal loads in the nearby river. "This is the appropriate kind of quality of water for irrigation," a Clean Water Services presenter said, adding the agency has treated recycled water for local golf courses and parks for decades.
The staff presentation explained the council‑priority connection would begin at the existing Durham treatment plant, then extend under a north‑south railroad to reach the city dog‑park and adjacent parkland. Officials said connecting across the railroad is a near‑term construction hurdle and that the first construction phase could be completed as soon as next summer if permitting and railroad agreements proceed on schedule.
City slides and Clean Water Services modelling cited an approximate 75–80% cost savings for irrigation if the city converts specified park acres to reclaimed supply at the proposed $1 per 100 cubic feet wholesale rate included in the agreement. Staff emphasized the rate covers production and distribution costs and said the agency was not attempting to compete with drinking water providers.
During council questions, officials described regulatory and public‑outreach safeguards: Class A recycled water is subject to disinfection and additional treatment before distribution, and city signage and communications would make clear the water is not for drinking. Council members repeatedly urged a robust stakeholder engagement plan for park users and neighborhood outreach before water is used at community fields.
Council President Pratt moved adoption of Resolution 5955‑26; the motion was seconded and the council voted unanimously to approve the intergovernmental agreement.
The agreement authorizes Clean Water Services to construct, connect and maintain the initial recycled‑water pipeline segment and allows Tualatin to purchase reclaimed water for specified irrigation uses under the terms described in the presentation. City staff said next steps include surveying the rail crossing, finalizing permits and coordinating a public communications campaign.
