Watershed Services

Before Portland was here, rain fell through a dense tree canopy, soaked into the soil and slowly made its way into the river. Today most of the trees are gone, invasive vegetation has replaced many native plants, and pavement covers the soil.

Now rain flows over roofs, parking lots and streets, washes pollutants into rivers and streams, and damages habitat.

The Watershed Services group develops watershed plans and works to improve water quality through stormwater management plans and activities. The group oversees restoration efforts in the Willamette River, Columbia Slough, Johnson, Fanno and Tryon creek watersheds. The group plans for future wastewater collection and treatment needs.