Butternut Creek Conversion: June 24 through June 28, 2024

City of Hillsboro Water Department (HWD) is pleased to inform you that water service to Butternut Creek Neighborhood will soon be directly connected to Hillsboro’s water delivery system – instead of Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD). Your service will be permanently switched over to the brand-new pipeline that was recently installed, sometime during the week of June 24 through June 28, 2024. 

Why is this change happening?

While you and your neighbors have always been Hillsboro customers, your water has been temporarily provided through the TVWD water system until HWD completed pipeline construction to the Butternut Creek neighborhood. 

What can I expect?   

Temporarily, during the pipeline transition, you may notice slight changes to the taste, smell, and appearance of your water. These are short-term aesthetic impacts that can happen due to water service changes (e.g. flow direction, source of water supply, etc.), but are NOT a health concern, and should disappear in a short time. The water remains safe to use and drink.

What actions are being taken to monitor/improve aesthetic water quality during the transition?

You may see HWD staff in the area flushing and taking water samples before, during, and after the changeover. These are proactive measures to ensure customers continue to receive high-quality water during the transition.

How will I know the changeover has happened, and I have been switched to the new pipeline?

Hillsboro Water staff will place a door hanger notice on each residence to notify you that the changeover was successful.

What can I do after the switch to improve the taste/look of my water? 

HWD recommends you flush the water lines and fixtures in your home several times a day, for up to three days following the switch – until the water runs clear and smells/tastes fresh. In some cases, there could be cloudiness or mild discoloration. If this occurs, please continue flushing and know that your water remains safe to use. If water pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet for trapped particles. If these suggested methods don’t work, and/or you continue to have issues/concerns, please reach out to HWD for assistance.

Fluoridation Update:

Unlike TVWD, HWD does not currently add fluoride to the water it serves to customers. After the changeover to Hillsboro Water, Butternut Creek neighborhood customers may wish to make alternate fluoridation plans for their family. If you have health-related questions or concerns about fluoride, you are encouraged to seek direction from your dental or health care provider, Washington County Health Department (email: HHSPHInfo@washingtoncountyor.gov), or the Oregon Health Authority (phone: 503-947-2340).

Flushing Water Lines

To continue providing clean and safe drinking water, the City of Hillsboro Water Department will be periodically flushing water pipelines in the Butternut Creek neighborhood.

Flushing devices will be attached to an existing hydrant and programmed to automatically flush water and sediment from pipelines through the open hydrant, and drain to the City sanitary sewer and stormwater systems.

Residents in the immediate vicinity of flushing may notice temporarily discolored water and lower than normal water pressure. Although the discoloration does not pose a health risk, residents are encouraged to minimize the impact by limiting water use the day of flushing and avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher until flushing is complete. If you do experience discolored water in your home, flush all taps for up to 10 minutes to clear the pipes in your home.

Thank you for your support as this important maintenance is completed.