City of The Dalles, OR

Wastewater & Stormwater

REPORT A CONCERN

think-before-you-wash-infographicTHINK BEFORE YOU WASH
Remember, only soap and water should go down the drain.

Never put fats, oils and grease (F.O.G.) down the drain:
            • Burger grease
            • Bacon grease
            • Fryer oil
            • Stir fry oil
            • Salad and dressing
Removing clogs in your sewer pipes is your responsibility and can be costly.

BY THE NUMBERS
The City cleans about 2.5 million gallons per day before it goes into the Columbia River.

City crews are responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 100 miles of sewer lines. Please help avoid preventable clogs that take them away from other critical tasks. Help us clean up wastewater before it goes into the sewer system. Think before you wash.

F.O.G. CLOGS PIPES
Fats, oils and grease are the second biggest cause of sewer backups in The Dalles. Wipe out pots and pans before you wash. Pour cooled grease into a disposable container and put it in the trash.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION
The purpose of sanitary sewer system is to funnel sewage to the wastewater treatment plant. The Wastewater Collection Division operates and maintains the sanitary sewer system.  The system consists of sanitary sewer mains, debris interceptors and lift stations. A well maintained system protects human health and protects the environment.  Division duties include:

  • video inspections,
  • mechanical and chemical treatment of sewer clogs,
  • routine lift station maintenance,
  • system repair and replacement.

The Dalles RV Dump Station

Help us avoid costly sewer back-ups

Think Before You Flush

Wipes Clog Pipes and Pumps Video
(Used with permission)

Think Before You Wash

Food service establishment guide for grease interceptor compliance

Pretreatment of wastewater guide for industrial users

Help us keep hazardous waste out of the sewer and local waterways

Protect Yourself from Mercury
Protejase del Mercurio

WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Wastewater treatment preserves the beauty and bounty of the Columbia River. The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates under contract by Jacobs. Public Works staff provides administrative oversight for the plant. The City treats sewage to protect human health through disinfection. Treatment also removes debris and chemicals that can harm plants, fish and animals. The water discharged must meet stringent Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulations.

STORM WATER
no-dumping-drains-to-creekThe purpose of storm water management is to protect property and the environment. The Wastewater Collection Division also operates and maintains the storm water conveyance systems. Water collected by the system is not treated before discharge into the Columbia River. We ask citizens to ensure that only rain goes down the drain. Together we can protect human health and the environment.

Keep the sanitary sewer and storm water collection systems separated

For more information on the Wastewater System contact Public Works.