US reservoir drained after a wee break

The operation is costing the state's taxpayers $US36,000 ($34,000) and was ordered after Joshua Seater, 21, was caught on a security camera relieving himself in the pristine lake.

Health experts said the incident would not have caused any harm to people in Portland, who are supplied with drinking water from the reservoir.

But David Shaff, of the Portland Water Bureau, defended the decision to empty the lake.

"I think what you have to deal with here is the 'yuck' factor," he said.

"Do you want to drink pee? Most people are going to be pretty damn squeamish."