Services, Guides, and Information

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Use a discount calculator to see how your savings will increase with each step you take to let rain running off your roof, driveway, or parking lot safely soak into the ground on your property.
The 2020 Source Control Manual became effective Dec. 14. The manual sets City policy for drainage and discharges resulting from development and post-development activities for site-specific activities like waste storage, loading and unloading, exterior storage and processing, and dewatering.
The 2020 Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) became effective Dec.14, 2020. The manual sets City policy and design requirements for stormwater management on all development, redevelopment, and improvement projects on both public and private property in Portland.
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough are rare. But when they do occur, Portlanders are advised to stay out of the water for 48 hours following a CSO due to higher levels of bacteria and other contaminants. Find out if a CSO is happening now.
The Downtown-Old Town Sewer Repair Program is a multi-year and multi-million-dollar investment to assess the condition and capacity of the aging public sewer system serving Portland's Downtown and Old Town neighborhoods and to construct the necessary repairs and upgrades.

About Green Streets

Information
Green streets reduce sewer overflows and backups by slowing and absorbing stormwater runoff from sidewalks and streets. Also known as rain gardens or bioswales, green streets are important to the City’s sewer and stormwater systems. They also help prevent pollution from washing into our rivers.
Neighborhood to the River grants are available for projects that improve stormwater management and watershed health while benefiting and involving communities.
Portland’s sewer and stormwater system includes pipes, pump stations, and treatment plants. It also includes green street planters, rain gardens, and trees. Together, this “grey” and “green” infrastructure helps us manage sewage and stormwater to protect people, property, and our environment.
Portland’s watershed report cards provide an overview of watershed health in the city. These science-based report cards summarize complex scientific information from the city’s environmental monitoring program and other data.
Spanning 20 years at a ratepayer investment of $1.4 billion, the Big Pipe Project has reduced combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River by 94 percent and to the Columbia Slough by 99 percent. With most overflows eliminated, the Willamette is cleaner than it’s been in decades.
The Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) supports Portland community groups and residents who want to improve the health of Portland watersheds. Grants up to $12,000 are awarded to eligible projects on an annual basis.
In service since 1992, the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Community Advisory Committee provides important input to Environmental Services on projects, construction, and operations and maintenance at the plant.
STEP is the largest improvement project at the treatment plant since the 1970s. The improvements will increase the plant's resiliency, protect water quality, and provide healthier work environments for essential workers.
Wastewater treatment recovers resources from the water we use in our homes, such as in sinks and toilets. Recovering the resources from that “used” water helps keep our community’s rivers healthy and creates renewable resources for energy and agriculture.
The Wetland Inventory Project (WIP), led by the Bureau of Environmental Services, is using the Oregon Department of State Lands methodology to map wetlands throughout all of Portland.
The City of Portland code requires individual properties to have direct and independent connections to the public sewer. However, the City may accept or adopt a private sewer line in the right-of-way serving residential properties under certain conditions.
Learn more about the requirements that apply to accessory dwelling units related to water, sanitary and stormwater sewer connections.
Find important information about fiscal and insurance requirements along with expectations before and during project implementation of your Portland Harbor Community Grant.
If you are buying, selling, or developing a potential brownfield property for reuse that creates community benefit, you may be eligible for a Brownfield Grant. Learn how to apply on this page.
If you have a project that benefits your community and the environment, you can apply for a Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) grant of up to $12,000. The two-page pre-application for projects is due January 22, 2024.
To get a 1200-Z or 1200-A general NPDES stormwater discharge permit for an industrial site in City limits, start here. We receive and process applications for general stormwater permits. The City is the authorized agent for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The Community Watershed Stewardship Program provides funding for native plants that benefit water quality and the watershed. Gift certificates from Bosky Dell Native Nursery are available to community groups or individuals planning to improve community spaces. Applications accepted year-round.
If you have a project that benefits your community and the environment, you can apply for a Neighborhood to the River grant. Neighborhood to the River grants support community projects that improve stormwater management and watershed health.