The Portland Water Bureau has come up with rules to follow when it comes to admiring the beautiful fountains of Portland, Oregon. Most of the Portland Water Bureau’s decorative fountains operate from spring through fall from 6:30 am to 8 pm. The bureau makes sure to set a time for performing maintenance and repairs to the fountain when they are not in operation. The bureau restores fountains to full operation as quickly as possible, if they see a repair work is necessary.
In line with this, they have implemented some regulations for strict compliance for the preservation of the fountains. First is to look but don't drink. The water flowing in decorative fountains is not for drinking. To conserve water, most of these fountains recycle water. The water is chlorinated to a level comparable with swimming pools. Secondly, always think of safety. Although people enjoy splashing around in the interactive fountains such as the Jamison Square, McCoy, Holladay Park, Salmon Street Springs, there are potential dangers for unattended children.
It is advised to exercise caution at all fountains at all times. Slippery surfaces, rapidly moving water, and pools of water require careful attention.
Thirdly, for the aesthetics, the Regional Arts and Culture Council advises the Portland Water Bureau on maintenance of bronze sculptures. Accordingly, the natural aging of unprotected bronze causes the green color (patina) found on some of the bronze sculptures in the fountains.
Lastly, for the continual operations of these fountains, the decorative fountains are turned off during winter months for maintenance and repairs.
The Kelley Fountain on SW 6th and Pine is no exception to the rule. On August 2007, this fountain was temporarily turned off due to Light Rail construction in the vicinity which impacts the Portland Water Bureau's ability to have access to the vault that operates the fountain.
With the Kelley Fountain, water flows over twenty foot steel shapes. This fountain was designed by Lee Kelly, one of Portland's most prolific artists and was installed in 1977. The Portland Water Bureau worked in partnership with the Regional Arts and Culture Council to restore this fountain to its original beauty in the spring of 2004.
