Portland, Ore., will now "drain the main vein" after a local teen did just that in the city's reservoir.

According to David Shaff, Water Bureau Administrator, a 19-year-old was recorded urinating in Mt. Tabor Reservoir 5, the city's open reservoir, on Wednesday at around 1 a.m., OregonLive reports.

"When you see the video, he's leaning right up because he has to get his little wee wee right up to the iron bars," Shaff said. "There's really no doubt what he's doing."

"These actions forced the water bureau to immediately take the 50-million gallon Mt. Tabor Reservoir 5 off-line and test for possible contamination," Jaymee Cuti, bureau spokesman told KGW.

As a result, the 38 million gallons of water held by the reservoir will be flushed; this is equivalent to 2.5 million toilet flushes, KGW reports. According to Shaff, pee in the water is not a big threat. In fact, plenty pee in the reservoir, although usually it is a wild animal. Still, Shaff is taking precautions.

"Even though there is very minimal public health risk, the bottom line is that our commitment is to serve water that's clean, cold and constant," Shaff explained. "That doesn't include pee. Not from people, at least."

The urine desecrated (pun intended) already treated water. The water is meant to travel from the reservoir to mains that distribute it to customers.

"There is at least a perceived difference from my perspective," Shaff said. "I could be wrong on that, but the reality is our customers don't anticipate drinking water that's been contaminated by some yahoo who decided to pee into a reservoir."

The man in question was cited for public urination and trespassing. Two friends he was with were all also cited for trespassing.

"It's stupid," Shaff continued. "You can see the sign that says: 'This is your drinking water. Don't spit, throw, toss anything in it.' He's four feet away from that sign."

Today will reveal the results of water quality samples. Draining the reservoir and cleaning will cost an estimated $35,000 according to city officials. In 2011, the reservoir was drained for $32,700 after a 22-year-old confessed to making tinkle in the water as well. Back then taxpayers weren't too happy, and Portland officials understand that some won't be happen this time around either.

"I told the people at the bureau that politics could not be a consideration in this case," Nick Fish, Portland City Commissioner, said. "We know we'll get criticized for this, but we have to put public health first."

Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @SH____4.

Related