Clackamas County Government: Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) Well-Positioned To Weather Chlorine Supply Chain Disruption

Oregon City OR

18 June, 2021

10:35 AM

Description

Press release from the Clackamas County Government: 6/17/2021 Oregon and Washington wastewater and drinking water service providers face a shortage of chlorine, a critical chemical component in the water treatment process. A critical chlorine supply issue has recently created a shortage for Oregon water utilities. The chlorine shortage in Oregon and Washington was caused by an equipment failure at a chlorine manufacturing facility on the West Coast. WES is working directly with the Governor's Office, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and utilizing Oregon Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (ORWARN) and federal authorities to get the chlorine supply we need. WES has the advantage of being able to adjust its operations to maximize the use of its UV disinfection systems to extend its chlorine supply. At this point, WES estimates it has more than a two-month inventory. Chlorine degrades over time and has a relatively short shelf life. WES maintains an industry-standard supply. It's not yet known how long the shortage will last.  The manufacturer may be able to repair their electrical equipment by the end of June, but it is not clear how long the supply chain will be impacted. You can voluntarily help conserve the chlorine supply for all of the water and wastewater utilities by reducing your indoor and outdoor water use.  We will keep you informed of the situation as it develops. Protection of public health is the number one priority of Clackamas Water Environment Services. A reminder: Clackamas Water Environment Services is a wastewater treatment and surface water management provider. WES does not provide drinking water services. Current Facts and Details from Oregon Office of Emergency Management Oregon and Washington wastewater and drinking water service providers face a shortage of chlorine, a critical chemical component in the water treatment process. It's not yet known how long the shortage will last.  The manufacturer may be able to repair their electrical equipment by the end of June, but it is not clear how long the supply chain will be impacted. You can voluntarily help conserve the chlorine supply for all of the water and wastewater utilities by reducing your indoor and outdoor water use.  We will keep you informed of the situation as it develops. Protection of public health is the number one priority of Clackamas Water Environment Services. A reminder: Clackamas Water Environment Services is a wastewater treatment and surface water management provider. WES does not provide drinking water services. A reminder: Clackamas Water Environment Services is a wastewater treatment and surface water management provider. WES does not provide drinking water services. CMap Contact the County Report a Hazard Civil Rights, Equity, and Workforce Character Employee Directory Commissioner Mark Shull   Sheriff Angela Brandenburg Treasurer Brian Nava This press release was produced by the Clackamas County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.