Bull Run Water Filtration Project Earns Sustainability Award

Multnomah County facility recognized for environmental performance and community engagement.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:20am by

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph of a polished, geometric water filtration system component made of stainless steel, glass, and copper, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to convey the technical sophistication and environmental sustainability of the Bull Run water filtration project.An award-winning water filtration system component symbolizes the technical innovation and environmental commitment behind Portland's Bull Run project.Portland Today

The under-construction Bull Run water filtration plant in Multnomah County, Oregon has received the Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for its comprehensive approach to sustainability and resilience throughout the project's planning, design, and construction phases. The $2.56 billion facility is expected to become operational in 2029, delivering filtered water to nearly 1 million customers in Portland and the surrounding area.

Why it matters

The Bull Run project's recognition reflects Portland's commitment to building critical infrastructure that not only provides clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, but also prioritizes environmental resilience, community engagement, and support for minority-owned and disadvantaged contractors.

The details

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure commended the project's use of gravity-fed water conveyance, which reduces energy use and improves reliability compared to pumping, as well as its efforts to engage community input and protect sensitive wetlands and native plants. Construction of the facility began in June 2024 and was temporarily halted for a year due to appeals from project opponents before resuming in February.

  • Construction on the Bull Run water filtration facility began in June 2024.
  • Construction was halted for a year in 2025 due to appeals, then resumed in February 2026.
  • The facility is expected to become operational in 2029.

The players

Multnomah County

The county where the Bull Run water filtration facility is being constructed.

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure

A nonprofit industry group that awarded the Bull Run project its highest honor, the Envision Platinum Award, for its commitment to sustainability and resilience.

MWH Constructors and Kiewit Corp.

The joint venture leading the construction of the Bull Run water filtration facility.

Priya Dhanapal

Deputy City Administrator for Public Works in Portland.

Keith Wilson

Mayor of Portland.

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What they’re saying

“This recognition reflects the care, collaboration, and long-term thinking behind the Bull Run filtration project, one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Portland's history. It protects public health, strengthens system resilience and ensures safe, reliable drinking water for Portlanders for generations.”

— Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator for Public Works

“Bull Run demonstrates the city of Portland's commitment to building a facility that delivers clean, safe, reliable drinking water while also strengthening environmental resilience and sustainability.”

— Keith Wilson, Mayor

What’s next

The Bull Run water filtration facility is expected to become operational in 2029, delivering filtered water to nearly 1 million customers in Portland and the surrounding area.

The takeaway

The Bull Run water filtration project's recognition for its sustainability and resilience efforts reflects Portland's commitment to building critical infrastructure that not only meets the city's water needs, but also prioritizes environmental protection, community engagement, and support for minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.