PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — PORTLAND, Ore.
The city of Portland is asking the state for a variance from water quality standards that aim to protect the public from a parasite called cryptosporidium (crip-toe-spor-ID-ee-um) that causes diarrhea.
The Water Bureau says extensive testing shows there is no cryptosporidium in the water from the Bull Run watershed and the city doesn’t need to build a $100 million treatment plant or cover water reservoirs.
KATU reports the bureau expects a decision in about six months from state regulators. If the state agrees, the city could lower the 13 percent increase in water bills already approved by the city council to pay for the improvements.
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Information from: KATU-TV, http://www.katu.com/
