(June 21, 2021) – The Oak Lodge Water Services District is requesting customers to voluntarily conserve and reduce their water usage. A critical chlorine supply issue has recently created a shortage for west coast and Oregon utilities. Our water treatment method uses chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) in very small amounts to ensure our water is safe to drink. The chlorine shortage in our area is caused by an equipment failure at a chlorine manufacturing facility on the West Coast.

The drinking water coming out of your tap remains safe to drink and use.

Staff have implemented measures to extend chlorine supply, while also ensuring that the water remains safe to drink.

We ask for the cooperation of customers to voluntarily reduce their indoor and outdoor water usage.

These actions will help extend our existing supply of chlorine, reduce the strain on the supply chain, preserve water for domestic use, and ensure water reserves continue to meet emergency response needs.

How to limit your water usage:

• Water lawns and gardens by hand
• Cover pools when not in use and limit filling swimming pools
• Wash your vehicles at a car wash facility
• Take shorter showers
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Limit running the dishwasher or washing machine – if you have to run it, ensure it is full
• If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running
• Postpone new plantings

These voluntary usage reductions will remain in place until the chain of supply for sodium hypochlorite has been reestablished.

To get the chlorine supply we need, the District is working directly with other water utilities, the Oregon Governor’s Office, Oregon Emergency Management, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, and federal authorities.

We will keep customers informed of the situation and any further actions needed. To stay up to date, visit oaklodgewaterservies.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact Us
To all our customers in the area, thank you for your voluntary help and support. For questions, please contact the District at (503) 654-7765 or info@olwsd.org.

Resources

• June 25, 2021 - Chlorine Shortage Update, click here
   
• June 17, 2021 - District’s Drinking Water Safe to Drink & Use: Chlorine Shortage Information, click here.  
   
• For statewide information, click here.