Water Environment Services

Clackamas Water Environment Services' (WES) adopted budget for fiscal year 2025-26 totals $247.6 million. The budget supports WES' mission to protect public health, produce clean water, manage stormwater, and recover renewable resources for nearly 200,000 people across our service area. Major investments include $51.5 million in critical infrastructure projects to maintain safe, reliable service and support future growth.

To fund increasing operating and maintenance costs and continue investing in system reliability, modest rate adjustments have been approved. For most residential customers, the combined monthly wastewater and surface water bill is expected to increase by approximately $1.25 per month (about 2%), keeping WES' rates below the regional average.

The WES Budget Committee reviewed and approved the proposed budget on May 27, 2025, and the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (serving as the governing body of WES) adopted the budget and updated rates on June 18, 2025 following a public hearing.

Late Fees to Resume for Past-Due Bills Starting August 1, 2025

Beginning August 1, 2025, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) will resume assessing late fees on past-due utility bills. As the governing body of WES, the Board of County Commissioners has approved a new late fee structure: 2% of the past-due balance or $5.00, whichever is greater.

Late fees are intended to promote timely payments, reduce the cost of collections, and support the continued delivery of essential sanitary sewer and surface water services.

Avoiding Late Fees:

To avoid late fees, customers are encouraged to pay their monthly bill by the due date listed on their statement. WES offers a variety of tools to help manage your account, including online utility bill payments and paperless billing.  
Set up online payments and/or enroll in paperless billing.

Need Help Paying Your Bill?

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for WES’ Low Income Discount Program, which provides discounted rates to eligible households. 
Learn more or apply.
 

Adopted Rate Adjustments

¹ Wastewater rate reflects Rate Zone 2 retail rate, which includes wastewater treatment, local collection, and legacy debt rate components.
² Area Average reflects rates as of January 1, 2025.

WES Rate Zones

Are you in district? Check your address in CMap.

Development activity can remove soil cover and increase the site’s susceptibility to erosion. This erosion, and the pollutants that can come from construction debris, can have an adverse impact on adjoining properties, the public storm drainage system and the health of our local streams. With the proper use of erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) measures, movement of pollutants and soil off of the site can be prevented and minimized

All development related activity within WES service districts is required to provide erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) measures as applicable. Sites which disturb 800 square feet or more are required to obtain Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control permit from WES. Also, all development activity within Clackamas County which disturbs 1-acre or greater is required to obtain a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit or a 1200-CN Permit.

Erosion Control Fees

Types of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Permits

Depending on the location, type and size of the development project, different EPSC permits and plans may be needed. The table below is a guide to help determine what is required. Following the table are descriptions of each of the permit types

WES Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Permit

A WES EPSC Permit is required if the development activity disturbs 800 sq. ft. or more within the WES service area, excluding the city of Happy Valley. In order to obtain a WES EPSC Permit, please complete the WES EPSC Permit Application and plans as specified in the application. Typically this permit is issued for residential construction and small commercial/industrial additions and improvements.

Erosion Control 1200-CN Permit

For those sites that are 1 acre to less than 5 acres of disturbance and are located inside of Gladstone, Rivergrove, or applicable WES service areas (excluding the City of Happy Valley), a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-CN Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit will be issued by WES along with the WES EPSC permit. To obtain a 1200-CN permit the applicants must submit the required WES EPSC Permit application and erosion control plans to WES for review and approval. Download the WES EPSC Application or 1200-CN Templates. Typically the 1200-CN permit is issued for small subdivisions, partitions, multi-family, commercial and industrial projects.

Erosion Control 1200-C Permit

For those sites that are 5 acres or more of disturbance within WES’ applicable service areas, Gladstone or Rivergrove, a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit is required in addition to the local WES EPSC permit. For sites within Happy Valley a DEQ 1200-C permit is required in addition to the local Happy Valley EPSC permit. To obtain a 1200-C permit the applicant must submit the required 1200-C application and template style erosion control plans to DEQ for review and approval. The DEQ 1200-C Templates are available from DEQ's 1200-C Construction Stormwater General Permit webpage. Typically the 1200-C permit is issued for large subdivisions, multi-family, commercial and industrial projects.

Erosion Control Resources

Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual

The purpose of the Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual and Best Management Practices Drawings is to provide a comprehensive and detailed approach towards controlling erosion on construction sites. It includes information regarding materials and installation practices. This manual was created in partnership with multiple jurisdictions in Clackamas County and with Clean Water Services in Washington County.

Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Training

Training in proper selection, installation and maintenance of EPSC measures is available from private sources. WES does not approve or recommend any private training companies. 

Erosion Control Inspections

An initial erosion control inspection is required as part of the construction of a single family home, and shall be completed and approved prior to the contractor pouring the foundation or footings. All non-single family projects such as a commercial, industrial or multi-family shall have the Initial inspection completed and approved prior to any soil disturbance except for the installation of erosion control devices. Permittees must call WES to schedule the initial inspection. Monitoring inspections will occur periodically throughout the construction. A final erosion control inspection must be requested by the permittee once the site has been permanently stabilized.

• Single Family Residences
  To schedule a single family initial or final erosion control inspection use your building permit number and call Clackamas County automated inspection request line at 503-742-4720. Use code 201 for initial erosion control inspections and 297 for erosion control final inspections.
• Commercial and Other
  To schedule an initial or final erosion control inspection for commercial, multi-family or industrial project call the WES main office number at 503-742-4567 and request to talk with a development representative.

Watershed Action Plans help to improve water quality and restore, enhance and protect our watersheds. They are basin-specific strategies that prioritize activities and investments in watershed management.

How Well Do Our Watersheds Function?

Kellogg-Mt. Scott

• Complete Document
• Table of Contents and Acronyms
• Executive Summary
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
  • Chapter 2 Figures
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
  • Chapter 4 Figures
• Chapter 5 Watershed Assessment for Kellogg-Mt. Scott
  • Figure 5-1 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-2 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-3 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-4 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-5 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-6 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-7 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
  • Figure 5-8 Kellogg/Mt. Scott Assessment Map
• Chapter 6 Action Plan Summary
• Chapter 6 Action Plan Description Sheets
• Appendix A
  • Appendix A Figures
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D

Rock Creek

• Complete Document
• Table of Contents and Acronyms
• Executive Summary
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
  • Chapter 2 Figures
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
  • Chapter 4 Figures
• Chapter 5 Watershed Assessment for Rock Creek
  • Figure 5-1 RocK Creek Assessment Map
• Chapter 6 Action Plan Summary
• Chapter 6 Action Plan Description Sheets
• Appendix A
  • Appendix A Figures
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D

Supporting Documents

• The River Starts Here
• USGS study of insecticide levels in urban streams

For more information please contact Leah Johanson at (503) 742-4620

Clean water is the biggest lifesaver in human history.

Thanks to advances in producing clean water over the last 200 years, life expectancy in the United States has more than doubled to 78.8 years. Most people take drinking water coming out of taps in our homes for granted. It’s also hard to imagine not being able to flush a toilet to carry wastewater away. The toilets and sewer systems we use today save millions of lives by preventing the spread of deadly diseases that come from dirty water.

At Clackamas Water Environment Services, we provide wastewater treatment services for more than 190,000 customers. 

Each year, our treatment facilities clean more than seven billion gallons of wastewater.  In the process, we convert materials that have long been considered “waste” into energy and natural fertilizer. We operate and maintain five resource recovery facilities, 23 pumping stations and more than 360 miles of pipes. 

Our Facilities

Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility (TCWRRF)

Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility (KCWRRF)

Hoodland Water Resource Recovery Facility (HWRRF)

Fischer's Forest Park

Brought online: 1971
Fischer’s Forest Park is a small treatment system serving one community. This site supports individuals with a septic system process and is not open for public tours.

Boring

Brought online: 1986
Boring treatment system serves a community of approximately 150 people. The station uses nitrification and ultraviolet light to clean water prior to discharging into the fork of Deep Creek. 

Tour our Facilities

Learn how our technology works to:

• protect the health of your family and the environment
• produce clean water, energy and other useful products
• support economic vitality

Ask questions and tell us about how we can keep you, our valued customer, informed and engaged. Children attending with their parents must be at least 10 years old.

Please complete the Facility Tour Request Form and email it to: WES-AdministrativeSpecialistRequests@clackamas.us

For more information, email wescustomerservice@clackamas.us or call 503-742-4567.

Due to construction and safety restrictions, tour availability may be limited.

Trash it, Don’t Flush it!

Our septage procedures are designed to comply with all applicable District, State and Federal regulations. Septage is regulated by our Rules and Regulations. The Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility (TCWRRF) is the only designated receiving facility in WES. Haulers that discharge septage at the TCWRRF are required to have a valid Septic Tank Waste Discharge Permit, which is issued for a three-year period.

Permit Application Process

To apply for a WES Septic Tank Waste Discharge Permit, septage haulers must complete and submit a completed Application for Permit form, current copy of DEQ license for sewage disposal, a $10,000 Surety Bond or Bond Continuation Certificate, a current copy of the DEQ Pumping Truck Inspection Report and three-year permit* fee. The application review process takes approximately 3–5 days after which the WES staff will then issue or deny a septage discharge permit.

Septic Tank Waste Discharge Permit application can be downloaded online. For additional information, contact WES Industrial Pretreatment Program at 503-557-2834.

* WES Septic Tank Waste Discharge Permit is a three (3) year permit, however, surety bonds, DEQ license, and DEQ Truck Inspection are issued annually. An updated copy of these items must be submitted to WES Septage Program annually.

Sources

WES accepts septage originating from within Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties. City, State, and Federal regulations prohibit septage haulers from discharging industrial process wastes at the TCWRRF.

Septage loads are accepted Monday through Friday (except on holidays) between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

What are biosolids?

The wastewater treatment process separates solids and water, after which clean and disinfected water is discharged to a neighboring water body, the solids are carefully processed in anaerobic digesters to meet state and federal regulations. This further processing converts the dewatered solids into a useful, slow-release fertilizer, which contains a range of plant-essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium. Biosolids also contain small amounts of other important minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and calcium. Not usually found in commercial fertilizers.

WES currently recycles biosolids for beneficial use on dryland wheat farms in Eastern Oregon. Biosolids add valuable organic matter to the soil as a beneficial amendment. Organic matter provides a food source for soil microbes, increases the ability of the soil to hold water, and improves soil structure.

In addition, biosolids provide climate benefits. They capture and store carbon in the soil, and they reduce the need for commercial fertilizers, which are produced by a fossil fuel-intensive process.

• Water Environment Services Biosolids Management Plan
• Fact Sheet - Biosolids: A Beneficial Resource

A petitioner needs to complete the Annexation Packet for annexing property into a service district. 

The Annexation Packets are available below and also by calling 503-742-4567. Once you have completed the Annexation Packet return it to our office. The Annexation Packet is then filed with Clackamas County Elections. The Elections office requires two checks to accompany boundary change applications, one to Clackamas County for the application fee and the second to Metro for the mapping fee.

Clackamas County Service District No. 1

CCSD#1 provides sanitary sewer and surface water services to the North Clackamas Service Area (NCSA) in unincorporated urban Clackamas County, north of the Clackamas River and east of Oatfield Road. Residents of the City of Happy Valley are retail customers of the district.

Clackamas County Service District No. 1 Annexation Packet

Tri-City Service District (TCSD)

The TCSD primarily provides regional collection and wholesale sanitary sewer treatment services. The TCSD boundaries coincide with those of the partner cities of Gladstone, Oregon City and West Linn. Property owners must first annex to one of the member cities, then to TCSD. Only those parcels in one or another of the cities can receive sanitary sewer service.

Tri-City Service District (TCSD) Annexation Packet

We administer sanitary sewer, surface water management, and erosion control programs in urban areas of Clackamas County.

Plan review and permitting are part of the broader land use and permitting process in unincorporated Clackamas County, the City of Happy Valley and Rivergrove. We review and approve all public and private sanitary, storm and erosion control plans for development activities such as:

• Any activity that requires a building permit: construction of structures, roadways and utilities
• Grading or excavating
• Land division, including subdivisions, land partitions and lot line adjustments

Annual Reports

• 2024 Annual Report
• 2023 Annual Report
• 2022 Annual Report
• 2021 Annual Report
• 2020 Annual Report
• 2019 Annual Report

Newsletters

• April 2025
• January 2025
• October 2024
• July 2024
• April 2024
• January 2024
• October 2023
• July 2023
• April 2023
• January 2023
• October 2022
• July 2022
• April 2022
• January 2022
• October 2021
• July 2021
• April 2021
• January 2021
• October 2020
• July 2020
• April 2020
• January 2020

Owned and maintained by WES since 1998, the 82nd Drive Bridge connects Gladstone and Oregon City for walkers, joggers and bicyclists who use it to cross the Clackamas River. Built in the early 1920s,  the bridge was converted for pedestrian use after the construction of Interstate 205 was completed in the mid-1970s.

The bridge also carries sanitary sewer pipes and other important utility lines.

In 2020, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) reopened the 82nd Drive Pedestrian Bridge to pedestrians and bicyclists after completion of several upgrades, which include seismically-retrofitting the bridge to withstand a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. The bridge is now capable of providing vital passage for emergency vehicles across the Clackamas River should such a catastrophic earthquake occur.

The upgrades also include newly-installed sanitary sewer pipes and provide additional protections for pipes and utility lines that run across the bridge.

“Increasing resiliency is the driving force behind all WES projects,” said WES Director Greg Geist. “WES is proud to support Clackamas County’s priorities, which include building a strong infrastructure and ensuring safe, healthy and secure communities.”

The $3.6 million project was funded with monthly service charge revenue and system development charges. WES secured required permits with the cooperation of the cities of Oregon City and Gladstone, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of State Lands. WES also collaborated with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development.

Built in the early 1920s, the bridge was once a state-owned thoroughfare for automobiles to cross the Clackamas River. The bridge was converted for pedestrian use after I-205 opened to traffic in the 1970s. In 1998, WES bought the bridge from the City of Gladstone in order to install sewer pipes that divert flows from WES’ Kellogg Water Resource Recovery Facility in Milwaukie to its Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility in Oregon City.

Charting the Bridge Upgrades

February 2020

As upgrades on the bridge wound down, crew members were focusing their work on pipes carried by the bridge across the river, including the installation of a new forcemain and bolstering of existing pipes. 

January 2020

Work to strengthen the structure of the bridge was finished. Crews installed a new forcemain pipe on the bridge while bolstering existing piping that was carried across the Clackamas River. 

December 2019

The bridge deck was replaced while work to strengthen supports under the bridge took place. Seismic upgrades were made to mechanical connections that attach the bridge deck to the supports. Crews also installed new force main piping and completed upgrades to existing piping that the bridge carries across the river.

November 2019

Structural supports for the bridge were strengthened. Rock anchors were installed to stabilize the piers while pilings were driven into the ground to support the bridge where it connects to the road on the Gladstone side of the river. Existing piers were bolstered with concrete and rebar work. Steel beams were placed between the roadway on the Gladstone side and the first concrete pier, which allowed for the installation of the new deck.

October 2019

Pile driving on the Gladstone side of the bridge was completed while old wood timber supports and the bridge deck on the Gladstone side were removed. Work continued on strengthening the existing bridge piers and adding new supports. All in-water work was completed.

Bridge Charms

Dedicated August 28, 2009

Artists: Dale Wilhelm and James Schmidt

“Bridge Charms” is a sculptural work that consists of suspended stainless steel cable strung through the girders at either end of the 82nd Drive/Park Place Pedestrian Bridge. From the cable, dangle objects, bejeweling the bridge like a charm bracelet. The ornamental pendants represent the recreational uses of the Bridge/Clackamas River area, the natural aspects of the region and the historical references of the region. Additionally, circular colored pendants reflect color onto the Bridge and the surrounding environment. After extensive research and feedback from the stakeholder committee, WES employee and bird aficionado Dan Strong, Oregon City Mayor Alice Norris, and Erik Thorsgard and Tony Johnson, Cultural Liaisons from the Grande Ronde Confederation, the artists selected the following objects for the pendants:

• Bicycle
• Fly Fishing
• Chinook Paddle
• Fish Skeleton
• Canoe
• Model-T Automobile
• Wagon Wheel
• Old-fashioned Tree Saw
• Cedar Osprey Sneaker (shoe)
• Salamander Salmon
• Old fashioned Faucet
• Merganser (duck)