Find Information on current sanitary sewer overflows is posted on Portland.gov in Environmental Services news section.

About advisories:  Debris and other obstructions sometimes block sewer lines and can cause sewage releases to a street and then to a waterway – either a creek or river. If a sanitary sewer overflows, Environmental Services issues an advisory to Portland media and places warning signs at the point of the overflow. If sewage overflows in a river or stream, Environmental Services posts warning signs at public access points downstream.

The advisory remains in effect and the signs remain in place for 48 hours after the overflow stops.

Tips to prevent sewer blockages, which cause overflows

Sewage overflows often are preventable.

Pipes that become blocked with wipes, debris, grease, and tree roots are the most common cause of sewage overflows. Debris and other obstructions sometimes block sewer lines and can cause sewage releases to a street and then to a waterway - either a creek or river.

Environmental Services advises the public:

• Not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper.
• “Flushable” wipes are not flushable and can clog sewer pipes.
• Pour grease into a tin and then when it hardens, place in the trash, not down drains or the compost.

See other tips for clog-free drains and sewers.