Westside Reservoir FAQ
What is a reservoir?
A reservoir is a water storage tank to help manage supply for a municipal water system.
What is included in this Westside Reservoir Project?
The project supplements four storage reservoirs already in use by the City. It includes a new 3-million-gallon concrete reservoir, approximately 3,000 linear feet of 24-inch diameter finished water transmission main, and associated site improvements. It is being built to seismic and contemporary operating standards to provide resilient, safe water storage.
Why is the City building the Westside Reservoir?
Wilsonville is one of Oregon’s fastest growing communities. The City is investing in the new reservoir and transmission line to meet increased demand and ensure the system can meet critical water needs of our community as it grows. The Westside Reservoir increases the City's water capacity to meet future needs and provides additional emergency water supply.
Where is the new reservoir to be located?
It is being located at 12771 SW Tooze Road, on City-owned property in unincorporated Clackamas County. The 6.84-acre site currently houses a residential home and a storage barn utilized by the City's Public Works department.
Why is the site outside of the city limits?
The 2012 City of Wilsonville Water System Master Plan recommended locating the reservoir at a higher elevation to distribute water efficiently and more cost-effectively with reduced environmental impact. More than 20 properties were analyzed; the Tooze Road site met all the technical and operational requirements (no site within City limits met the requirements). The City purchased the site in 2012 and received land use approval for a reservoir that same year, which was extended in 2022.
What will the finished reservoir facility look like?
The final design is anticipated to be no more than 30 feet tall. The site is being landscaped to fit into the local aesthetic and provide visual screening for nearby residents.
The project team will share design plans with the public as they progress. The City is committed to robust community engagement to ensure community feedback is considered in the design and that the completed project reflects the community's needs and values.
When does construction begin?
Preliminary design of the new reservoir is currently underway. Construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2024; a firm start date will be identified later in the design process. Construction is anticipated to take about a year to complete.
Is the new reservoir going to increase traffic to the area?
No. The site is currently being used as a storage facility regularly accessed by City of Wilsonville Public Works staff. Once the site is transitioned to a reservoir facility, the expectation is that traffic in and out of the site will be reduced.
How does reservoir construction impact neighbors?
The reservoir is being constructed on City-owned property, limiting the impact on most neighbors. However, an infrastructure project of this size is expected to include short-term impacts, including intermittent temporary lane closures on SW Tooze Road when the transmission line is installed. The City and its contractors will coordinate closely with neighbors, Washington County, and other agency partners to minimize disruptions.
How is the City keeping the community informed and engaged in the project?
The City is committed to keeping neighbors, the traveling public, and the broader community informed about the project and its impacts. Communication is to include update to the project web page, targeted mailings, fliers, and/or door hangers to those in/near the project area, as well as social media updates, public open houses, and articles in the Boones Ferry Messenger.
Stay up to date by signing up for:
- E-newsletter
- Text Alerts: Text RESERVOIR to 866-935-0125
How can I participate in the public engagement process?
The City is committed to engaging with community members throughout the project to ensure that both the design and the completed project reflect the community's needs and values. Sign up as directed above to learn about open houses and other opportunities to engage with the project team.
