Board Byline: Help Us Keep the Clackamas River Flowing

By August, the Clackamas River, our community’s water source, reaches its lowest levels of the year. As we head into September, lingering heat keeps demand high, and low flows can affect both our water reserves and the success of fall salmon runs.

We’re asking for your help to protect our water supply. Here’s how you can make a difference at home:

• Turn off outdoor watering: Outdoor use is the biggest driver of summer water demand. Shut down sprinklers for the season if you can, or reduce watering.
• Use appliances sparingly: Running only full dishwasher or washing machine loads can save 75–200 gallons each week.
• Change small habits: Take shorter showers, keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap cool, or turn off the faucet while brushing or shaving. It all adds up!

Pledge to conserve water for our community and local wildlife, and receive a free yard sign to inspire others to do the same. Learn more at www.clackamasproviders.org/pledge-application/

Water and Sewer Improvement Projects In Progress

Two major water and sewer upgrades are underway to improve service reliability and control long-term costs.

Jennings Lodge Sewer Improvement Project: Phase 2

• Purpose: Repair aged sewer infrastructure, including pipes and manholes. This prevents rainwater from entering and overburdening our wastewater treatment system, ultimately preventing sewer overflows.
• Location: Southern Jennings Lodge area.
• Status: Construction in progress
• Estimated completion: Summer 2026
• Budget: $2,064,000 (phase 2)

Oatfield Rd. Water Main Replacements

• Purpose: Replace 16,000 feet of water main pipes, increasing their size from 6 to 8 inches for greater capacity and upgrading from cast iron to more durable, corrosion-resistant ductile iron.
• Location: Oatfield Rd. between Aldercrest Dr. and Hull Ave. Phase 1 work is bound by Aldercrest Dr. and Loeffelman Rd.
• Status: Construction starting in September
• Estimated completion: Phase 1 - spring 2026
• Budget: $8,060,000 (all phases)

Stay up-to-date on these projects and other upcoming work at OakLodgeWaterServices.org/active-projects

Sign Up for Discounted Commercial Storm Drain Cleaning

Rainy season is around the corner—make sure your storm drains are ready! Clear drains prevent flooding, reduce pollution, and protect our watersheds. Oak Lodge’s Storm Drain Cleaning Assistance Program (SCAP) helps local businesses keep drains clear. For $55 each, we’ll remove debris from standard parking lot drains —preventing clogs and keeping pollution out of the river.

Register Sept 1 – Oct 31 at OakLodgeWaterServices.org/SCAP

Questions? Contact info@olws.org or call (503) 654-7765.

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