Bend Celebrates 100 Years of Municipal Water Service

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The City of Bend, Oregon is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its municipal water services in 2026. Prior to 1926, Bend's drinking water came from the Deschutes River, but issues with algae blooms led the city to establish the Bend Municipal Watershed and switch to a new water source from Bridge Creek and mountain springs. Over the course of the year, the city will host a variety of educational and community activities to highlight the history, conservation efforts, and everyday stewardship of Bend's water system.

Why it matters

Access to clean, reliable drinking water is essential for any community, and Bend's century-long commitment to providing high-quality municipal water services has been crucial to the city's growth and development. By celebrating this milestone, Bend is highlighting the importance of water infrastructure and encouraging residents to learn about and appreciate the work that goes into delivering water to their taps.

The details

In 1926, the City of Bend took over water services from the Bend Water, Light & Power Company and established the Bend Municipal Watershed as the primary source of the city's drinking water, using Bridge Creek and mountain spring water. Over the past 100 years, the city's Water Services Department has worked to supply, protect, and conserve Bend's water resources, while also helping to safeguard the water quality of the Deschutes River and local groundwater.

• The City of Bend announced the 100-year anniversary campaign on February 19, 2026.
• The celebration will run throughout 2026, with seasonal activities focused on the history, watershed, conservation, community, stormwater, and wastewater.

What’s next

Throughout 2026, the City of Bend will host a variety of seasonal activities and events to engage the community in learning about and celebrating the city's 100 years of municipal water service.