Services and Resources for Environment

Portland has excellent water in part because generations of lawmakers, City staff, and community members have worked to protect Bull Run.

We are committed to reducing our impact on the climate. Here's an overview of the actions we're taking to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient as we continue our essential work of serving drinking water to Portland.

Thank you for managing the rain on your property! Follow these important steps to make sure your rain garden, basin, planter, swale, disconnected downspouts, or other stormwater management facility keeps working safely and as designed.

Use the guidance below to determine if your right-of-way project triggers requirements of the 2020 Stormwater Management Manual.

All applications must be complete and accurate with verifiable photos and correct payment.

Diameter at breast height, or DBH, is the standard for measuring trees. DBH refers to the tree diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground.

When public improvements require stormwater management, four options are potentially available to meet SWMM requirements in the right-of-way depending on the specific characteristics of the project. Projects can include a combination of these options.

When temperatures are at or below freezing, water pipes can freeze or break. Whether you rent or own, there are steps you can take to protect your plumbing and reduce the risk of breaks.

The best protection against sidewalk damage is to plant the right tree in the right place. Other preventative measures include installing root barriers at time of planting and encouraging deep root growth.

Heated, chlorinated or salt-treated waters from pools and hot tubs, and cleaning wash water are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Learn how to prevent pool waters from entering the stormwater system such as through a storm drain, from where it could flow directly to a river or stream.

Material storage areas exposed to rain and runoff can introduce pollutants into the stormwater system and impact our rivers and streams or soak into the soil to contaminate groundwater. These pollutants can harm fish or remain in the soil for many years. Learn how to prevent pollution.

About 135 species of birds breed around Portland. The majority of these birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects the birds, their nests, eggs, and feathers. Learn about best management practices to protect birds and their nests when working on City projects.

Helpful resources and instructions for proper pruning

Trees are a readily available, natural way to manage the rain on your property. Trees are easy to plant, low-cost, and most property owners can do the work themselves. Learn about the types of trees best suited for your property before planting.

Portland may be the Rose City, but we’re just as well known for our rainy weather. We get an average of 37 inches of rain each year. You might wonder, “where does all that rain go?” Read on to learn how rain becomes stormwater, and how Environmental Services manages the challenges it causes.

You can help keep our rivers, streams, and watersheds healthy. There are many ways to get involved, from simply picking up after your dog to volunteering for a cleanup event.

Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding hydroelectric power in the Bull Run Watershed.

Each year, Environmental Services recognizes industrial customers who are working to protect the environment and keep our rivers, streams, and watersheds healthy.