Environmental Services is Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility. The bureau operates more than 2,500 miles of sewer lines, two wastewater treatment plants, and more than 90 sewage pump stations.

Most developed properties in Portland are connected to the sewer system, but some properties still use private septic systems and are not connected to the city sewer. Environmental Services is building new sewer lines to extend service to developed properties and protect groundwater quality by limiting and controlling injection of wastewater into the ground.

Chapter 17.33 of the Portland City Code requires developed properties to connect to the sewer system within three years after sewer service becomes available. The city also provides low interest loans to finance connection costs and gives some property owners the option of delaying connection in case of financial hardship.