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After serving Eugene for over 80 years, the 15-million-gallon (MG) College Hill Reservoir has reached the end of its useful life. EWEB will dismantle the leaky and antiquated reservoir and replace it in the next few years with new, modern drinking water storage tanks built to withstand major earthquakes.
Why is this project necessary?
EWEB's College Hill reservoir—which serves all Eugene homes and businesses, and provides emergency water for critical community needs, including fire suppression—is nearing the end of its useful life and fails to meet current seismic standards. It is unlikely to survive a major earthquake, resulting in Eugene losing critical supplies of safe drinking water in the event of a disaster.
In addition, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is requiring EWEB to rehabilitate or decommission the reservoir because of leaking roof joints, which creates the potential to degrade the water quality. And from an operations standpoint, the College Hill reservoir does not drain and fill effectively, which impacts water quality.
Decommissioning the existing facility and building new water storage tanks at College Hill is the most cost-effective solution long-term and will improve water quality and resiliency for all Eugene residents.
Public Involvement
EWEB recognizes that College Hill is a valued gathering place for nearby residents and recreators. We are seeking the public’s help in memorializing the history of the reservoir and planning for future recreation on site. Click below to learn more about each input opportunity.
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Historic Mitigation
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Landscaping & Amenities
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The Historic Mitigation and Landscaping & Amenities plans will come together to inform the public spaces on site.
New Tank Design
Learn more about the design of the new earthquake-resistant water storage tanks at College Hill.
Timeline
EWEB will "decommission" (drain the water) the College Hill Reservoir before the end of 2023, pending completion of the replacement water storage project underway at E. 40th Ave.
At this time, we anticipate that the public will continue to have access to the top of the existing reservoir through early 2024.
Demolition and construction is anticipated to begin in late spring of 2024.
College Hill Reservoir Replacement Project Estimated Timeline (6/2023)
| Begin developing preliminary engineering designs and construction schedules | June 2023 |
| Farewell events and begin public input on historic mitigation measures | Summer 2023 |
| Complete public input on historic mitigation | Winter 2023 |
| Permanently drain the reservoir | Winter 2023 |
| Close reservoir and begin construction activity | 2024 |
| Begin public input on landscaping and recreation | 2024 |
News and Updates
We are committed to keeping our customer-owners informed about this project. In addition to information posted on this website, we will share regular updates through email, social media (follow us @EWEButility), traditional news media, and other channels.
Email Updates
April 17, 2024: Info on tank construction, geotechnical work on Lincoln Street and 23rd Avenue, landscaping comments and a farewell event.
April 2, 2024: Update on tree work, information about wood donation, details on pre-bid meeting, and reminder about Historic Mitigation questionnaire closing on April 5 at 5 p.m.
March 15, 2024: Notice about tree work resuming the week of March 18.
News Stories
KEZI, October 19, 2023: EWEB water tanks expected to become active by late December
Whole Community News, October 19, 2023: EWEB water projects improve community resiliency during disasters
Ask a question and offer input
We are tracking questions and input from the public. If you are curious about a specific aspect of the project or want to submit a comment, email the EWEB project team at water.storage@eweb.org.
Frequently asked questions
What would happen to College Hill in an earthquake today and will the new water tanks be built to withstand a Cascadia level event?
The current facility was built without any consideration of seismic events and we can’t say for sure what will happen, but it would likely fail to hold water under any significant earthquake event. The new tanks will be built to the highest level of resiliency to withstand and provide drinking water after a major earthquake.
Why can’t EWEB repair tank?
The 80-year-old structure would require significant retrofitting and expensive maintenance to protect the drinking water inside. Even after these investments, the tanks would still be vulnerable to earthquake damage.
Is there any way to drain the tank and leave it in place?
No. Our community needs the stored water at College Hill to meet demand and ensure there is sufficient pressure in the system for firefighting and other public uses. To ensure everyone in Eugene has safe, reliable water, the existing tanks must be replaced with new storage.
Can we build replacement storage somewhere else?
No. College Hill is part of a network of tanks that must be at exactly 607 feet in elevation for Eugene’s gravity-fed water system to function. Vacant property at the right elevation is nearly impossible to acquire and it would not be practical or a responsible use of customer dollars to abandon College Hill.
Where will the new tanks be located and what will they look like?
This will be determined during the engineering planning process over the next several months. Our hope is that the tanks can be located mostly within the footprint of the existing reservoirs on the site with about the same amount of the tank visible above ground as the existing structure. EWEB will provide architectural renderings to help show what the site will look like with the new tanks in place.
Will the public be able to use the surface of the new tank(s)?
No. Contemporary public health standards require that drinking water facilities need to be secure to protect water quality. The new tanks will have decorative fencing/landscaping around the perimeter.
Will the public be able to use other areas of the site?
Yes. We plan to maintain open public space at College Hill.
What will happen to the trees along Lincoln Street?
No final decisions have been made about the trees along Lincoln Street, however, EWEB is committed to doing everything we can to minimize tree impacts. The team is getting underway on developing engineering and construction plans for the tanks. Once those plans are set, EWEB work with a local certified arborist to determine which trees will need to be removed to facilitate the safe and efficient construction of the tanks.
Can I provide ideas and suggestions for public uses of the site?
Yes. However, decisions that affect water quality, safety, and engineering (such as tank size, siting, elevation, and security measures) must be made by qualified staff to comply with regulations.
The valuable opportunities for public input involve site aesthetics and amenities. For property retained by EWEB and not used for storing and protecting drinking water, site neighbors and other residents will be invited to participate in decisions that involve:
- Landscape design such as trees, shrubs, berms and other vegetation features
- Public amenities (outside the fenced tanks) such as paths, ground surfaces, and spaces for recreational activities
- Honoring College Hill's history such as documenting the site, interpretive displays, and educational events
The public participation process will start in 2023. Opportunities for public input will be widely advertised on EWEB’s website, through neighborhood association newsletters, email communications, and other channels.
Related Programs
E. 40th Water Storage Project
We are building two new 7.5 million gallon earthquake-proof tanks on an undeveloped 10-acre site.
Emergency Water Stations
We are working with community partners to develop an emergency water supply program that includes several permanent distribution sites located throughout the community using groundwater wells, as well as mobile water trailers.
Electric reliability projects
EWEB's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for major infrastructure investments to rehabilitate, replace, and install new infrastructure will ensure we meet the current and future needs of our community, while maintaining reliable service.
