The area served by the distribution system varies from 1,250 to 2,250 feet in elevation, in nine pressure zones.
The three major pressure zones are:
- Gravity Zone – supplies most of the City of Medford and areas southwest of the city
- River Zone – supplies north Medford, Central Point, and the White City area
- High Level Zones – supply higher elevation areas in the hills around Medford
Water Pressure
The pressure varies within the distribution system between 35 and 100 pounds per square inch (psi). The pressure at any given point is mostly dependent upon the elevation within the pressure zone.
Both the Big Butte Springs and Rogue River sources supply the Gravity Zone and River Zone up to approximately elevation 1,500 feet. Interchange of water between the two levels in both directions is done through the combination of pressure control and pump stations, which contain both pressure reduction valves and pumps.
Water from the Rogue River source is lifted approximately 87 feet from the mean river elevation of 1,178 feet to the Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant (Duff WTP). Treated water from the reservoir at the water treatment plant is then pumped into the transmission main that supplies the reduced pressure zone.
Gravity Zone
Service Elevation: Approximately 1,350 feet to 1,500 feet in elevation
This zone is served by Capital Reservoir (12.0 MG) and Bullis Reservoir (10 MG), and the Martin, Conrad, and Rossanley pump stations.
River Zone
Service Elevation: Approximately 1,250 feet to 1,350 feet in elevation
This zone is served by Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant clearwell reservoir (4.8 MG). The water treatment plant’s High Service Pumps lift water out of its clearwell into the Gravity Pressure Zone, using the Martin, Conrad, and Rossanley pump stations.
High Level Zones
An intricate network of strategically placed pumping stations and storage reservoirs serve the higher elevation areas of Medford; there are five pressure levels above the gravity system to which water can be pumped.
The current maximum level of service within the city is generally approximately 2,250 feet in elevation. Each pressure zone above the gravity level has a pumping station and at least one storage reservoir.
East Side
The East Side High Level area generally serves property above an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet located on the east side of the of Medford. This area is currently comprised of five pressure zones served by a series of pump stations and storage reservoirs. Each pressure zone serves approximately 150 feet in elevation. Long range plans call for the potential addition of two additional zones above our current maximum service elevation of 2,250 feet.
Zone 1
Service Elevation: 1500′ to 1650′
Reservoirs: Stanford (1.5 MG) and Barnett (2.0 MG)
Pump Stations: Brookdale, Pierce Heights, and Lone Pine
Zone 2
Service Elevation: 1650′ to 1800′
Reservoirs: Hillcrest #1 (0.14 MG) and Lone Pine #2 (1.0 MG)
Pump Station: Stanford, and the future Barnett (construction to begin in 2025)
Zone 3
Service Elevation: 1800′ to 1950′
Reservoirs: Hillcrest #2 (0.10 MG) and Lone Pine #3 (1.0 MG) Reservoirs serve this pressure zone.
Pump Station: Hillcrest
Zone 4
Service Elevation: 1950′ to 2100′
Reservoirs: Stardust (0.18 MG) and Cherry (0.50 MG)
Pump Station: Angelcrest
Zone 5
Service Elevation: 2100′ to 2250′
Reservoir: Highlands Reservoir (0.50 MG)
Pump Station: Stardust
Barneburg (Zone 1B)
This high-level area is located on a hill in the southeast section of the system. The facilities supplying this area are comprised of a single pump station, and a 0.50 MG storage reservoir, both constructed in 1959.
Southwest (Zone 1C)
A high-level area, located in the southwest corner of the distribution system. Archer Pump Station and the Southwest Reservoir (2.0 MG) serve this zone.
For more information on water pressure or pressure zones, call us at 541-774-2430