Residents on the Warm Springs Reservation received welcome news Wednesday: the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) Public Utilities Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have officially lifted both the Boil Water Notice and the Water Conservation Order that were put in place during the Bench Fire emergency.
The EPA and tribal authorities confirmed that the agency water system fully complies with all health, safety, and water quality regulations. Tap water is now safe for direct consumption, cooking, and standard household use — boiling is no longer required.
Why the Orders Were Issued
The Boil Water Notice and Water Conservation Order were issued weeks ago as firefighters battled the Bench and Beachcomb fires across the reservation. Water pressure management and supply prioritization for fire protection required residents to limit non-essential water use and take precautions with drinking water.
The conservation effort was critical — tribal utilities needed to maintain adequate water capacity to support firefighting operations during the most intense phases of the fires.
One Reminder as Normal Use Resumes
As water use returns to normal, Public Utilities is asking residents to be mindful of runoff. Letting water flow onto roads and driveways can wash away the fine soils and aggregate that support the edges of asphalt pavement, causing road degradation and expensive repairs — especially on a reservation already facing significant infrastructure recovery needs.
“Public Utilities extends a sincere thank you to every member of the community for your dedication, patience, and conservation efforts. Your support during this difficult period directly enabled us to maintain critical water capacity for fire protection services,” the department said in a statement.
Residents with questions or concerns about water quality can contact the CTWS Public Utilities Department directly.