Portland and the federal government
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Advisory: Sewage release to the Willamette River during pump station maintenance
A sewage advisory has been issued for the Willamette River through 9:01 a.m., January 8, 2026.
Press release
CSO Advisory: Heavy rain leads to combined sewer overflow to the Willamette River
A combined sewer overflow (CSO) advisory has been issued for the Willamette River.
Updated News article
Treated wastewater that was not dechlorinated enters the Columbia Slough outside the City’s primary wastewater treatment plant
On Friday, December 19, a leak near a pump station at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Portland was observed to be leaking wastewater to the Columbia Slough.
News article
Sewage Advisory: Sewage Release in South Portland Impacting the Willamette River
Around noon on December 9, and again around 8 p.m. on December 18, City crews reported a sewage release on S Fielding Rd in South Portland. The release is from private property and is impacting a stormwater inlet that discharges to the Willamette River.
Updated News article
CSO Advisory: Atmospheric river leads to combined sewer overflow to the Willamette River
A combined sewer overflow (CSO) advisory has been issued for the Willamette River.
Updated News article
Sewage Advisory: Crews Responding to Sewage Release in Southwest Portland
On Tuesday, December 9, City crews responded to a sewage release on SW Sunset Blvd near its intersection with SW Richardson St in Southwest Portland. As a precaution, the public is advised to follow any posted signage in the area.
News article
Sewage Advisory: Crews Respond to Sewage Release in South Portland
On Friday, December 5, City crews responded to a sewage release on S Corbett Ave near its intersection with S California St in South Portland. The release has stopped. As a precaution, the public is advised to follow posted signage in the area.
News article
Advisory: Combined Sewer Overflow Released from Elk Rock Pump Station
A combined sewer overflow (CSO) advisory has been issued for the Willamette River and/or Columbia Slough.
News article
Five Ways to Save Your Thanksgiving Holiday from Disaster
Safety tips from the City of Portland. Make a plan to get there safe. Take a breath before you deep-fry that turkey. Don't pour fat, oil, or grease down the drain. Install smoke alarms and keep an eye on hazards. Take care with extension cords.
News article
Advisory Update: Sewage Release to Woods Creek in Southwest Portland
Environmental Services is providing an update regarding the sewage release first reported on October 18 affecting Woods Creek, a tributary of Fanno Creek in Southwest Portland.
Press release
Show your toilet some love for World Toilet Day
World Toilet Day highlights the critical role of toilets and wastewater infrastructure in protecting public health and the environment. Learn more about our wastewater system and some easy steps you can take to show your toilet some love.
Blog post
Struggling to make ends meet? Get help with your Portland water utilities bill
Things change. Whether you’ve lost a job or are feeling the pressures of rising costs, we can help. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay the sewer, stormwater, and water bill, please reach out. Many people don't realize they're eligible for one of our financial assistance programs.
Blog post
Advisory: Sewage Release to Woods Creek in Southwest Portland
On Saturday, October 18, City crews responded to a sewage release on SW 59th Avenue in Southwest Portland. The sewage release is impacting Woods Creek, a tributary to Fanno Creek. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid Woods Creek and Fanno Creek west of SW 50th Avenue.
Updated Press release
Sewage Advisory: Crews Respond to Sewage Release in South Portland
On Thursday, October 16, City crews responded to a sewage release on S Kelly Avenue near S Abernathy Street in South Portland. As a precaution, the public is advised to follow any posted signage in the area.
News article
Tracking Portland’s wildlife
Terrestrial wildlife biologist Jade Ujcic-Ashcroft of the Bureau of Environmental Services monitors the health of the birds and beasts who call Portland home. Sometimes that means finding creative ways for us to share the ecosystem we inhabit together.
Blog post
Update on chemical munitions use near ICE facility
City leaders are concerned about the use of chemical munitions near the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland. Here are the steps we’re taking to reduce use and impact.
News article
City rate increases go into effect on July 1
Rates and fees pay for the vital services Portlanders rely on every day, like water, sewers, streets, parks and garbage pickup. Rate and fee increases support operations, repair and replacement to keep our city safe and sustainable. Here's a summary for fiscal year 2025-26.
News article
Protecting Portland’s Rivers with Pride
Project coordinator Debbie Caselton works on helping you and your neighbors stay informed about construction projects for the Bureau of Environmental Services. It's called community outreach, and it's a vital part of our work.
Blog post
Willamette River Recreation: Check the Rec Season Has Begun
As summer approaches and warm weather returns to Portland, so does Check the Rec. From late May through September, Environmental Services tests water quality weekly at popular Willamette River recreation spots.
News article
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