Residents of the Warm Springs Reservation got two pieces of good news this week: tap water is safe to drink again, and the community's wildfire recovery fund has surpassed its goal by a wide margin — even as tribal leaders remind supporters that the hard work of rebuilding has only just begun.
Boil Water Notice and Conservation Order Lifted
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) Public Utilities Department, in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, officially lifted both the Boil Water Notice and the Water Conservation Order that had been in place during the height of the Bench Fire emergency. The EPA and tribal authorities verified that the water system is fully compliant with all health, safety, and water quality regulations.
"Tap water is safe for direct consumption, cooking, and standard use — boiling is no longer required," the CTWS announcement stated.
The utility did ask residents to be mindful of water runoff as normal usage resumes, noting that excessive water flowing onto road edges can erode the fine soils and aggregate supporting asphalt, leading to costly road damage.
The department thanked the community for its patience and conservation efforts throughout the crisis, noting that those efforts directly enabled the system to maintain critical water pressure for fire suppression during the emergency.
"Your support during this difficult period directly enabled us to maintain critical water capacity for fire protection services," the CTWS Public Utilities Department said in its announcement.
Recovery Fund Exceeds Goal at $324,095
Meanwhile, the CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund — established to help families, elders, and community members displaced or impacted by the Bench and Beachcomb Fires — has raised $324,095, reaching 130% of its original $250,000 goal.
Tribal leaders posted on Facebook this week that donations are still welcome and needed, even as the immediate supply shortage has been resolved. Storage areas are currently full, and the most pressing material needs have been met. But the path to full recovery, leaders emphasized, is a long one.
"Recovery will take months and years, and every gift helps our people rebuild with care, dignity, and hope," the CTWS Facebook post read.
Where Things Stand With the Bench Fire
The Bench Fire, which started July 23 by lightning and burned primarily west of the Warm Springs Reservation, had grown to 67,071 acres and was 86% contained as of the most recent update on August 9 — considered a final update for the fire. At least six homes burned on the reservation, and hundreds of residents were evacuated at the height of the emergency.
The Round Butte Fire, which burned near Culver on private land and the Crooked River National Grassland, was 90% contained at 1,163 acres. All evacuation orders for that fire have been lifted.
To contribute to the CTWS Wildfire Recovery Fund, visit the tribe's website at warmsprings-nsn.gov or search for the fund on the Zeffy donation platform. For questions about donations or supplies, contact the CTWS directly.