Public Works

Step 1. Preliminary Treatment: Wastewater passes through bar screens, which remove large debris, like plastics, rags and sticks. Next, the wastewater flows to a grit removal area where the heaviest solids — mostly sand and rocks — are removed. The screenings and grit are taken to a local landfill.

Step 2. Primary Treatment: The wastewater flows to primary clarifiers, where solids sink to the bottom and are removed. Solids that float are skimmed away.

South Fork Water Board (SFWB) is a wholesale water provider to the cities of Oregon City and West Linn. SFWB is jointly owned by the two cities and is governed by a six-member Board comprised of the Mayors and two elected officials from each city.

Contact Information:

15962 S. Hunter Ave. Oregon City, Oregon 97045

Telephone: 503-657-5030

Web: www.sfwb.com

Enforcement of permit violations occur in a three step progression:

First: A written notice of the inspection findings and required corrections.

Second: Should corrections not be implemented, a notice of non-compliance will be issued with the required corrections.

Third: Should corrections remain un-addressed a stop work order will be issued. Additionally, a stop work order may be issued any time a permit violation occurs.

Violators of erosion control standards may be subject to penalties as outlined in the City's Municipal and Community Development Code.

The City of West Linn places a high value on the conservation of natural resources. Construction activities without proper erosion and sediment control protection can contribute large amounts of sediment and other pollutants to streams, rivers, wetlands and ponds. Construction can also be harmful to trees, including the trunk, canopy and roots.

Sewer Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my sewer backs up?

Contact the City of West Linn Public Works Operations Division at 503-722-5500, between the hours of 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, call LOCOM non-emergency dispatch at 503-635-0238.

2. Where does my sewage go when it leaves my house or business?

The City of West Linn is dedicated to protecting the water quality of the local streams, rivers, and wetlands. Therefore, to protect the waters in our region, the City's erosion prevention and sediment control program was developed.

City codes call for submittal of erosion prevention/sediment control plans for all permit applicants including single family permits. Each plan shall present in a clear fashion, information demonstrating what preventive measures will be taken to avoid sediment from leaving the site.

Latest update: December 2025

The Streets Division is part of the West Linn Public Works department. The goals of the Streets Division are:

Provide safe travel for emergency/public safety vehicles, school busses, and the driving public by the maintenance of predetermined snow routes

Provide protection to the public by closure of hazardous areas

Provide citizens with aesthetically pleasing roadsides maintained in a manner as to allow sight distance and good visibility of signage.

Assure proper drainage from road surfaces and prolong pavement life.

The Water Division, which is part of the West Linn Public Works Department is dedicated to providing the consumer with high quality water that meets or exceeds the standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The goals of the Water Division include

Most of us blame water pollution and its effects on large industries, municipal treatment plants, and corporations. In reality, we're all responsible. In nearly all parts of the country much and sometimes most of the pollution comes from many other sources referred to as non-point source, or runoff pollution. The next time it rains in your neighborhood, watch as it runs off your roof, street, and parking lots. You can see it pick up oil, grease, litter, soil, and other materials.