A Message from Clackamas Water Environment Services Director Greg Geist
Dear Valued Customer

As 2022 comes to a close, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) continues to make significant progress on projects designed to strengthen our ability to serve you now and for decades to come.

Upgrades continue at our Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility in Milwaukie, which plays a key role in helping us treat more than seven billion gallons of wastewater every year.

Working collaboratively with cities in our service area, we are making great strides in reducing Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) in sewer systems owned by our member communities. I/I is rainwater or groundwater that flows into sanitary sewer pipes. Keeping this extra rainwater and groundwater out of pipes results in significant savings. Reducing I/I by 65% by 2040 would save $120 million in required upgrades and expansion at our treatment facilities.

Last month, WES and our nonprofit partner SOLVE concluded our fifth annual Summer Waterway Cleanup series, which removed more than 11,000 pounds of trash from 54 locations in Clackamas County. About 1500 volunteers of all ages took part in the cleanups and learned how trash on the ground can end up in our waterways due to stormwater runoff, which is a leading cause of water pollution in Oregon.

WES is also thrilled to welcome Oregon City Mayor Denyse McGriff and Milwaukie City Councilor Adam Khosroabadi to the WES Advisory Committee, which provides input and makes recommendations on surface water and wastewater issues to WES and the Board of County Commissioners. We are proactively recruiting prospective new members to fill pending openings on the committee, which represents our diverse service area.

As you can see, WES takes pride in working with partners throughout our community to ensure that the services that we provide to you remain at the highest level.

On behalf of WES, I wish you all a very happy and safe fall and holiday season.

Sincerely,

Greg Geist
Director, Clackamas Water Environment Services
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Clean Water Act!
The Clean Water Act (CWA) was created in response to increased public concern for the environment and for the condition of the nation’s waters.

Before the CWA, rivers and streams were choked with pollution and were toxic to fish and not fit for recreation.
Outdoor Education at the Carli Creek Water Quality Project
The Watershed Health Education Program exists to educate youth and adults about the importance of protecting our watersheds. This program makes it possible for local teachers and their students to get out of the classroom and into the field to learn about our water.
Keep FOG Out of Your Pipes!
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are found in everyday foods and food ingredients such as meat, fish, butter, mayonnaise, milk, gravies, sauces and food scraps. If poured down the drain or into your garbage disposal, FOG can build up over time by sticking to the insides of sewer pipes.

Clear Storm Drains to Protect Your Property and Our Water
The arrival of fall means leaves on the ground and the return of rain. If you are able, use a rake to clear nearby storm drains of leaves and other debris to reduce the chance of flooding near your home or business.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Program
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) program is a new financial assistance program funded by the Federal government. It is currently only a one-time program but could continue into the future.

LIHWA allows Clackamas County to directly pay Clackamas Water Environment Services sewer and surface water bills for eligible households. To be eligible, household income must be at or below 60 percent of Oregon's median income based on household size. This support can be used for:

  • Current Charges
  • Past Due Amounts
Interested in Joining the Team?
Clackamas Water Environment Services produces clean water and protects water quality for more than 190,000 people living and working in Clackamas County.

Each year, we clean more than seven billion gallons of water. In the process, we convert materials that have long been considered “waste” into natural energy and fertilizer. We also help reduce pollution in local rivers, streams, and wetlands caused by stormwater runoff, the number one source of water pollution in Oregon.

We educate and assist community members from all walks of life. It’s our job to ensure that our families and neighbors enjoy the benefits of safe, healthy water for generations to come.

WES is a county department, a service district and a ratepayer-funded organization.
Are You Managing Your Sanitary Sewer and Surface Water Account Online?
The WES online account management system gives you access to your account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Register for access online to enjoy these features:

  • View real time balances, payment amounts and bill due dates.
  • Make one-time or recurring payments.
  • Review transaction history.
  • Sign up for paperless e-billing to get your bills and our messages emailed to you!
The WES Office is Open for Business!
Our office at 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City is open to serve you from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday in person, or 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday by phone.

If you are experiencing flooding or a problem with your sanitary sewer that needs immediate attention during regular business hours, please call 503-742-4567, and a WES representative will contact you promptly. Outside of regular business hours, please call 503-655-8211.

Sanitary sewer service and surface water management.
150 Beavercreek Road Oregon City, OR 97045


Phone:
503-742-4567
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