Over the years, Canby has relied on wells, springs, and the Molalla River for drinking water. More than 30 years ago, the Canby Utility Board anticipated the need to expand its water resources beyond these sources. A recent update of the Water System Master Plan shows that our vibrant, growing community needs a new supply of water to meet the future needs of residents, small businesses, industry, and fire protection.
Over the next 7 years, Canby Utility will be taking steps to plan, design, construct, and put into service a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant and water intake on the Willamette River. The new treatment plant will use similar methods as Wilsonville's state-of-the-art treatment plant to produce top-quality water that looks and tastes great year-round.
Canby's current water supply sometimes tastes or smells because of the presence of Geosmin and Methylisoborneol (MIB) in the Molalla River. They are 2 algal byproducts that can cause your water to have a taste or smell. While our water treatment plant, constructed in 1971, does not have the ability to remove these algal byproducts, the new plant will.
Planning for the project and key milestones is underway. A top priority for the Canby Utility Board and Canby City Council is to keep you informed and aware of our progress toward completing this critical legacy project. Updates will be posted on our website.
The actual project’s cost is not yet known, but early planning-level estimates show it could cost around $82 million dollars (in 2023 dollars). Canby Utility is already seeking a mix of funding sources, from low-interest loans to grants, to help reduce the impact of the cost of the treatment facility on current and future ratepayers. Canby Utility’s revenue stream comes only from water user rates, fees, and system development charges, not property taxes.