Celebrate thirty-five years of clean water

The community’s investment in wastewater treatment is paying off. Thirty-five years after the passage of the Clean Water Act on October 18, 1972, people and fish have returned to the Tualatin River. The return of recreation and wildlife is a testimony to the community’s commitment to a healthy environment and the success of the Clean Water Act.  

In 1970, citizens overwhelmingly approved the formation and funding of Clean Water Services (formerly Unified Sewerage Agency) to consolidate and upgrade the wastewater collection and treatment facilities throughout the county. In the last decade, Tualatin Basin residents have invested more than $700 million in advanced wastewater treatment facilities and the establishment of a comprehensive surface water management utility. Thank you to all Oregonians who have rallied to save Washington County's only major river.

Pledge your pooch

Visit our table at the Hillsboro REI store on October 16 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and pledge your dog to be a Canine for Clean Water. Stick around for the DoveLewis Animal Hospital and REI's free Hiking with Dogs clinic. Learn about trail etiquette, how to best prepare your dog for a fun, safe hike and the basics of pet first aid. Please leave your K-9 companion at home.

Be a clean, green volunteering machine

Join Intel, SOLV and Clean Water Services for the 11th annual INTEL-SOLV Clean and Green Project on Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Choose a project within Washington County, or from ten projects in the East Multnomah County communities of Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale and Wood Village. Volunteers can register by visiting www.solv.org or calling (503) 844-9571.

Plant a Tree for All

Two million trees will be planted in 20 years within the Tualatin River Watershed as part of Tree for All: Community Stream Planting Challenge. Streams lined with native vegetation provide cleaner, cooler water, better flood management, and fish and wildlife habitat. It's good for the water and fish and it's good for people and our community, too!

Tree for All is a partnership of the Cities within the Tualatin River Watershed, Clean Water Services, SOLV, Friends of Trees and helpful volunteers. Below is a list of upcoming events. To volunteer visit the SOLV website.

Free naturescaping classes—October 31 deadline

Attend two FREE Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshops to learn how to naturescape your yard.

• Naturescaping Basic Workshop
  November 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  River House at Rood Bridge Park, Hillsboro
  Pre-registration is required by calling (503) 797-1842 or via email at naturescaping@yahoo.com by October 31.
• Naturescaping Site Planning I (Basic class is prerequisite)
  December 1, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  River House at Rood Bridge Park, Hillsboro
  Pre-registration is required by calling (503) 797-1842 or via email at naturescaping@yahoo.com by November 28.
  

The Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshops are sponsored by the Tualatin Basin Partners for Clean Water and the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation.