The Administrator’s Office is responsible for policy planning, leadership, direction, and operation of the bureau.  The Administrator’s Office also manages security for the distribution system, property management, organization development, human resources management, public information/involvement, long-range planning, government and community relations, legislative activities, and liaison with the Commissioner-in-Charge and City Council.

 

The Customer Services Group performs the billing and collection functions for the Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services for the water, sewer and stormwater management services the bureaus provide. Representatives inform customers about the Clean River Rewards Program and assist property owners in applying for their stormwater discounts.  In addition, we perform outreach to low income customers and advise them how to apply for income-eligible discounts. For most customers, the main point of contact is our Call Center staff at 503-823-7770. 

The Finance and Support Services Group provides financial planning, rate setting, budgeting, accounting, payroll, auditing, financial analyses, and fiscal monitoring functions for the bureau.  It also provides clerical support for bureau staff in the Portland Building .  This includes the interfaces to City financial and personnel systems, and other bureau-specific software systems. 

The Maintenance and Construction Group is responsible for repair, operation, and maintenance of the distribution system.  Installation, operation, and maintenance functions related to mains, services, valves, hydrants, and leak detection are performed by this group. This work includes direct services and related support for control valves, carpentry, purchasing and stores operation, and loss control programs. This group manages the Bureau’s two apprentice programs. The emergency crew provides response for outside normal work hour requirements, including main breaks and other emergency responses.

The Engineering Group is responsible for planning, design, and construction of the water system. In addition, this group serves as customer liaison for new service installation, drafting (including geographic information system), surveying, inspecting, and maintaining records on distribution system improvements. This group manages the bureau’s emergency management program. It also has responsibility for developing facility standards, asset management, contract management, and developing and managing the bureau’s CIP.  Administrative oversight of the Hydroelectric Power function is conducted within this group.

The Resource Protection and Planning Group is responsible for watershed and groundwater resource management and coordination with federal, state and local partners to protect the quality of both of Portland’s drinking water sources.  This responsibility includes addressing legislative and regulatory issues and performing integrated resource planning, comprehensive planning on major issues, supply and demand analysis, and coordination of the Regional Water Provider’s Consortium.  This bureau work group is also responsible for the City’s business, residential and multifamily water conservation programs and bureau sustainability efforts.

 

The Operations Group is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water supply and treatment from the Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field.  This group operates and maintains the conduits, terminal storage reservoirs, tanks, pump stations, water treatment facilities, pressure regulators, an accredited Laboratory, and the Water Control Center.  Work responsibilities include water quality protection, regulatory compliance, laboratory services, system metering, and addressing water quality customer complaints.  This group is also responsible for grounds maintenance and operation and maintenance of the decorative and drinking fountains.

 

PICTURED ABOVE: Teresa Elliott, Principal Engineer