Water plant operators, OEC, are expecting water sample test results to be back on Thursday, April 16 after Friday nights main line repair. Boil Water Advisory is still in effect until test results are back.

Do Not Drink the Water Without Boiling It First

Following a water main break on 4/11/2026, your water system pressure went below the standard threshold of 20 PSI. Potentially harmful bacteria could be present in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. We will perform tests for bacterial to ensure the water is safe in the following days.

This Boil Water Advisory is a precaution. To limit risk to health, customers should follow the instructions contained in this advisory. When tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water, we will lift the boil water advisory. We anticipate resolving the problem within the next 3 days. 

Customers should bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, allow the water to cool before using, and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover. Customers should use boiled water that has cooled or bottled water for: 

• Drinking 
• Brushing teeth 
• Washing fruits and vegetables 
• Preparing food and baby formula 
• Making ice 
• Cleaning food contact surfaces 

For more information, please talk to a board member, or contact John Woody at 541-643-6137, or email john@oecadmin.com.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by contaminants in drinking water are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the Oregon Health Authority, Drinking Water Services at 971-673-0405. 

A neighbor noticed a water leak coming through the asphalt road at the corner of Homestead and Wagontire and reported it. OEC assessed leak and found we couldn’t wait until Monday to address the problem. Their crew is working to fix the issue this evening but will be a while until the road is repaired.

Water is being shut off at 6:30pm and we will update members as we hear more.

We are excited to share that our Water Tank Expansion Project is nearing completion — and it’s a tremendous win for the entire Clarks Branch Water Association community.

In 2022, the CBWA Board voted to pursue funding through the Oregon Business Development Department to install a new water storage tank next to our treatment plant. This funding program provided a substantial grant along with a low-interest loan, allowing us to move forward with critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our system for decades to come.

What This Project Accomplishes

• Greatly increased water storage capacity
• Ability to shut down the treatment plant for extended repair and maintenance projects
• Improved ability to endure and manage system leaks
• Replacement of two aging tanks while ensuring safe, reliable storage for years to come
• Increased capacity to supply water to local fire departments during emergencies
• This project significantly strengthens the reliability, safety, and future readiness of our water system.

Why the $25 Assessment?

In our last newsletter communication to our members, we announced an assessment would be coming early this year. As with any large infrastructure project, there were unexpected costs along the way, including:

• Inflation in construction costs
• Increased prices for metal and tank manufacturing
• Funding required for relocation of Pacific Power lines
• Major change order for tank piping
• Addition of a flow meter required by the Oregon Health Authority

The $25 monthly assessment that has been added to member bills will go directly toward repayment of the loan portion of this project over a 30-year term. The grant funding covered a significant share of costs, helping minimize the financial impact to members while still allowing us to complete this major upgrade.

Investing in Our Future

This expansion ensures that Clarks Branch Water Association can continue providing safe, reliable water service well into the future. We appreciate your understanding and support as we make these long-term investments in our system and our community.

Coincidentally, our board was notified today by the plant operator that one of our old water tanks has a substantial leak. This goes to support our need for new water storage.

If you have questions about the assessment or the project, please join our next monthly board meeting. We encourage all members to attend at any time and we can always use volunteer board members to guide our association.

Thank you for being part of Clarks Branch Water Association.