Port of Portland Water Rights Review and Audit

Water is a critical resource for the Port of Portland and its tenants—collectively, they represent one of the region’s largest water users. When potential water shortages in the early 1990s threatened operations at Port and tenant facilities, the Port examined ways to better manage and control water use across its properties. At that time, the Port began securing municipal water rights as a foundation for developing nonpotable water systems within select Port service areas to meet the needs at its industrial properties.

In early 2000s, GSI assisted the Port in a completing a water rights review and audit to assist the Port in understanding its assets that could be used in developing nonpotable water supply systems at its properties in the metro area. The audit included a compilation of all the water rights located on Port properties, a review and evaluation of all permit or certificate conditions, and a summary of recommendations. The audit also included a prioritization of actions needed to maintain compliance and identified time-critical compliance issues to be addressed. GSI has since conducted additional audits as the Port acquires new industrial lands for development, helping it to actively manage this asset.

Ultimately, the Port’s objective is to provide a lower cost water supply for appropriate uses and to relieve pressure on the limited drinking water supplies of the City of Portland. GSI continues to assist the Port in managing its water right assets as it pursues the development of a nonpotable water system.

GSI's work involved:

• Conducting a water rights review and audit.
• Prioritizing actions needed to maintain compliance and address issues.
• Helping the Port develop a water rights strategy to support a nonpotable water system.