OLWS’ wastewater system protects public health by collecting, treating, and cleaning approximately 1.5 billion gallons of wastewater a year. OLWS’ Wastewater Treatment Plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week treating the community’s wastewater before returning it to the Willamette River. The treatment plant is responsible for removing harmful pollutants in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Biosolids
Annually, the treatment plant collects and treats approximately 900 dry tons of raw wastewater solids, which are treated to reduce total quantity to approximately 250 dry tons and to produce a product suitable for beneficial reuse. The raw solids treatment process results in Class B biosolids. The biosolids, meeting state requirements, are hoisted into enclosed trucks or dumpsters for transportation to agricultural farmland located in Clackamas and Umatilla counties.

Operational Permits
OLWS operates the water reclamation facility under a National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System Permit (NPDES). Operations staff is committed to producing treated water that exceeds the parameters set by state and federal guidelines.

Wastewater Master Plan 
The Wastewater Master Plan (WWMP) is a long-term planning tool that evaluates the wastewater system’s current condition, capacity, constraints, and recommendations for improvement. The 30-year plan evaluates OLWS’ ability to comply with state and federal regulations, withstand climate uncertainty, and continue to provide reliable services. The 2023 Wastewater Master Plan identified substantial upgrades needed to handle stronger storm events, meet regulations, reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows, and promote healthy local waterways.

Tour
Take a virtual tour of the treatment now or click here to request an in-person tour. 

Customers on a tour of the treatment plant