Environmental Services creates system plans to guide long-term sewer and stormwater system investments. These plans prioritize replacement or repair of existing assets, and construction of new infrastructure where needed. A current plan exists for Portland’s sanitary sewer and combined sewer systems.

Planning is underway now for the areas of the city outside the combined sewer system. In these areas, a network of pipes, ditches, drainage ways and other assets collects stormwater and conveys it to local waterways. This new generation of planning integrates infrastructure and watershed planning methods, equity, and the best available data about the system. It will guide projects and programs to:

• Provide service in areas with deficiencies
• Protect existing infrastructure
• Meet regulations
• Improve watershed conditions to protect public health and the environment