Sewer Superintendent:   Wayne Benson

The Sanitary Sewer Department operates and maintains 200 miles of collection system and ten pump stations (all of which eventually empty into the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant operated by the City of Portland on Foothills Road). It also provides information about rat control, sewer odor complaints, service verification, response to sewer back-ups and overflows, and missing manhole covers.

Rat Control

Cover your garbage can with a tight metal cover. If a can has holes in it, throw it away and buy a new one. Store soap powder, dog food, rabbit food, nuts, and food in rat-proof containers or in places inaccessible to rats. Keep your yard clear of dog bones, old vegetables, fallen fruit, etc. Garbage and brush piles attract rats. Raise rabbit hutches at least a foot off the ground. Clean up grain and feed at night. If you must store lumber, boxes, books, and old papers in your yard or basement, pile them on platforms at least one foot off the ground and away from the wall. Cover vents with screens. Repair holes in the foundation of your house. Check and repair spaces around pipes with metal collars.

Sewer Odor Complaints

If you have a sewer odor in your home, first look for the source in the bathrooms and kitchen. Pour a gallon of water down the shower drains and sinks that are not used often. If this does not solve the problem, call the City at (503) 635-0280.

If you detect an odor outside your home, call the City.

Water Service Verification

If you have a question about whether you are connected to the City sewer or a septic tank, we can check our records for you. If we are unable to find the answer, we will do a dye or smoke test for verification. Call the City at (503) 635-0280 to arrange an appointment.

Missing Manhole Covers

If you discover that a manhole cover is missing, overflowing, or rattling, please call the City immediately at (503) 635-0280.