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It's easy to take essential infrastructure services, like wastewater treatment and traffic signals, for granted when everything functions smoothly. However, consider the consequences of not being able to flush your toilet or navigate safely on the roads you drive on daily.
Clackamas County works around-the-clock to provide safe roads and bridges and sewer infrastructure to protect your family’s health and our shared environment. National Public Works Week, observed since 1960, highlights the significant effort and resources required to maintain infrastructure essential for public health, safety, quality of life, and the economy. This ongoing work includes operation, maintenance, planning, design, construction, and project management.
Here’s a look at how Clackamas County keeps the infrastructure you rely on safe every day of the year.
Providing Clean Water: A Foundation for Health and Safety - Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES)
Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It's our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment and economy.
Effective wastewater treatment is crucial in distinguishing our country from regions lacking reliable sewer systems, which face risks of deadly diseases from contaminated water. Thanks to advancements in wastewater treatment, the average life expectancy in the United States has more than doubled to 78.8 years over the last 200 years.
We operate and maintain 360 miles of sewer systems and five wastewater treatment plants that serve nearly 200,000 customers. Together, these facilities treat seven billion gallons of wastewater annually. In this process, WES converts materials that are traditionally regarded as waste into renewable energy and fertilizer.
Additionally, we safeguard community water quality by implementing educational programs and maintaining stormwater facilities that help reduce pollution in our rivers, streams, and wetlands caused by urban runoff.
Prioritizing Safety on the Road (Department of Transportation and Development - DTD)
The Department of Transportation and Development maintains 1,400 miles of county roads, 2,400 miles of rock shoulders, and 21 miles of guardrail. Staff regularly repair potholes and address road deterioration and water damage. Additionally, we keep 70,000 road signs and 165 traffic signals in good condition to keep you safe on the road.
Beyond maintaining well-paved roads, we sweep the streets to allow stormwater drainage, control pollution, and improve public safety and water quality. We also remove brush over a 250-mile area and maintain 46 miles of ditches to prevent flooding and erosion after heavy storms.
We maintain 186 county bridges, ensuring they remain strong and sturdy while preventing deterioration through regular painting and repairs.
Experience Nature with the Canby Ferry
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Canby Ferry and cross the Willamette River between Canby and Wilsonville/Stafford, operating seven days a week. In service since 1914, the ferry has been cherished by generations to appreciate its scenic and relaxing journey.
Protecting Our Green Infrastructure for Recreation (Clackamas County Parks)
Clackamas County Parks operates 16 parks and four property holdings totaling 961 acres. The county park staff maintains 226 campsites, 21 reservable picnic areas, 16 restrooms, 7 playgrounds, 6 watercraft launches, and over 1,500 parking spaces. They also oversee natural areas, open lawns, ballfields, sport courts, picnic areas, hiking trails, and the utility infrastructure needed to support these facilities.
Clackamas County Parks are spread throughout rural Clackamas County and offer various outdoor recreational activities, including camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and relaxation. These parks provide access to the Willamette, Clackamas, Molalla, and Sandy Rivers, as well as Clear and Deep Creeks.
Promoting Healthy Living Through Parks and Recreation (North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District - NCPRD)
The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) helps people live healthy lives through offering parks and recreational activities. It serves over 105,000 residents in Milwaukie and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. The district includes Hood View Park, Milwaukie Center, North Clackamas Aquatic Park, 35 parks, 287 acres of natural area, and 15 miles of trails, including the six-mile Trolley Trail.