For water emergencies during normal business hours please contact Jay Fuzi at 541-519-3444. For after hours emergencies call dispatch at 541-523-3644, Option '0'.

See below for Cross Connection Program Information

Over 210 Million Gallons are stored in the Goodrich Reservoir each year.

The water comes from snow melt as well as natural springs. The water travels from Goodrich Reservoir and 11 other springs into a 17 mile transmission line.

Once it reaches the reservoir site in town, it goes through our own Hydro Electric Plant where the City generates electricity and “sells” it to the power company. The water then goes through the chlorine contact chamber (a big reservoir-4.5MG). The water then gets treated with UV light. 

Water can either travel through mainlines down Indiana Avenue or Carter Street.

Water travels through the underground mains up to 24” in diameter

by gravity pull as it all goes downhill.

Water Conservation
* Water your lawn & garden in the morning or evening when temperatures  are cooler to minimize evaporation

*Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month

*Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse water house plants 

*Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models

*When cleaning out fish tanks give the nutrient rich water to your plants

*Collect water from your roof to water your garden

*Turn off faucets tightly after each use

Working Together Works
Investment In Infrastructure

The City of Baker City is embarking on a path towards infrastructure resiliency. City Council and staff are committed to providing the best quality water to our community for decades into the future. This process involves improving our water system by upgrading the mountain transmission pipeline, upgrading mainlines in town and developing an alternate ground water source for increased capacity and drinking water redundancy. This strategic investment in Baker City’s infrastructure will secure our City’s economic growth opportunities. 

Cross Connection Water Program Information

Does your home have a lawn and garden irrigation system?

These irrigation systems have a backflow assembly that is located between the drinking water supply and irrigation system. Backflow assemblies allow water to enter your irrigation system while at the same time preventing water that is in your irrigation system from flowing back into the drinking water supply. Once a year homeowners are required to test the backflow assemblies connected to their system. Backflow assemblies are essential in keeping you, your family, and Baker City’s drinking water safe.

Why do I have to test my backflow assembly every year?
Testing is required every year by the State of Oregon Health Authority to ensure that your assembly is functioning properly. The perfect time to test is when you will turn on your irrigation system in the spring since this is typically after freezing weather has passed, which can damage your backflow assembly, and before the heavy watering season begins.
 
Who can test my backflow assembly?
Homeowners need to hire a private company to test their backflow assembly. The Oregon Health Authority provides a list of state certified backflow assembly testers on their website. Some of these companies specialize in specifically testing backflow assemblies, and some are landscape companies that provide that service. Either type of company can perform the testing you need. 
 
What happens during a test?
The tester will test your assemblies and record the assembly serial number and test results. When finished, the tester will then give you a copy of the report, keep a copy for themselves, and send a copy to the Baker City Public Works Department. When the Public Works Department receives the test report, your account is updated with the results and is marked as up-to-date.
 
 Annual testing is necessary to let the State and Baker City know that your backflow assembly is in compliance every year, and assures you that you are keeping your family’s and the community’s drinking water safe.
 
Questions about your backflow assembly or backflow assembly testing?
To review Baker City’s Cross Connection ordinance please click here or contact Craig Dolby, Cross Connection Specialist for Baker City Public works at 541-524-2017.