Save Our Supply Newport

Our water source isn't as resilient as you might think. Newport's sole water supply is stored behind the Big Creek Dams, which were built many decades ago using technology that doesn't protect them from seismic activity. Today, the dams are vulnerable and aging, risking failure. If they failed, Newport would lose its only water source.

The Big Creek Dam Project will address this by replacing the vulnerable dams with one built to withstand seismic activity. Learn more at saveoursupplynewport.com.

Protecting our environment goes hand in hand with protecting our water supply. As the Big Creek Dam team explores opportunities to ensure a more resilient water supply, we're also identifying ways to protect the environment that makes Newport home. Learn more at saveoursupplynewport.com.

Water is the backbone of our community. Investing in the water infrastructure that protects our supply ensures that future generations can still call Newport home.

Behind every drop of water that reaches your tap is a team of dedicated engineers who support the system. In Newport, we have a team of engineers working to solve one of our community’s greatest challenges: ensuring a reliable water supply.

The Big Creek Dam team is working to design a seismically resilient dam that protects our sole water supply. We couldn't do it without our engineers.

Did you know the Big Creek Dams are earthen dams?

Constructed in the 1950s and 60s, these dams were built by layering soil and gravel. While common for the era, we now know this design is not built to withstand seismic activity. The Big Creek Dam Project will replace these outdated structures with modern, seismically resilient infrastructure, securing Newport’s water supply for generations to come.

The Big Creek Reservoirs are more than just water sources; they are thriving ecosystems. From shimmering trout to the various bird species they support, this environment is a vital part of Newport’s natural beauty.

The Big Creek Dam Project isn't just about human infrastructure—it’s about ecological responsibility. Our team is committed to protecting the delicate balance of our reservoirs and the surrounding environment.

Learn more about our environmental commitment at SaveOurSupplyNewport.com

Water is the lifeblood of Newport. It sustains our families, powers our businesses, and connects our community.

Ensuring a reliable water supply isn't just a utility project—it’s an investment in the fabric of our city.

Imagine a misty Newport morning. You head out for your favorite pastry, only to find a “Closed” sign. Now, imagine that sign on every door in town—not for a day, but for months.

This is the reality Newport faces if a seismic event occurs. Our current Big Creek Dams are seismically vulnerable. If they fail, our city loses its sole water supply. The Big Creek Dam Project is the solution. It will replace the dams with resilient infrastructure to ensure our taps—and our local economy—don't run dry.

Learn more at saveoursupplynewport.com

Imagine a Saturday in Newport with no coffee, no fishing boats on the horizon, and an empty beach.

This is Newport without water.

Water is more than just a resource—it’s the engine of our local economy, the backbone of our health and safety, and the heart of our weekend fun. A quiet Saturday might sound like a dream during tourist season, but a waterless one is a nightmare.

Water is the lifeblood of our economy and community. Right now, we’re operating on the edge. Our aging dams are structurally vulnerable—one seismic event could mean no water.

The Fix: The Big Creek Dam (BCD) Project, which will replace the outdated dams with seismic-resilient infrastructure to protect our community from disaster.

Learn more at saveoursupplynewport.com

Pop Quiz: How much water do the Big Creek Dams actually hold?

Newport’s entire water supply is stored in the Big Creek Reservoirs. Take a guess at how many gallons they hold total...

327.6 MILLION gallons!

Here is the breakdown: Big Creek Dam One: 56 million gallons. Big Creek Dam Two: 271.6 million gallons.

From our local shops to your kitchen tap, these reservoirs are the heartbeat of our community and economy.