Sewer System

Overlay
Sewage backups onto private property may happen when an interruption of the wastewater lines occurs. Such overflows have the potential to create a health hazard and cause significant damage to property and contents. Upon notice of an overflow situation, the City of Newberg will immediately respond to the scene, evaluate the situation, and take the necessary steps to eliminate the cause of the sewage overflow in the public wastewater lines.

If there is a leak with a significant volume or continuous flow of sewage, call dispatch at 503-538-832

City ResponsibilityThe City is responsible for sewage backups in the public line, but residents are responsible for backups in their private sewer lines. Relief funding is available to property owners meeting eligibility requirements.

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Sewer FAQ

What should I do if sewer backs up on or at my property?
If there is a significant volume or continuous flow of sewage, call dispatch at 503-538-832
Upon notification, the City of Newberg will take the following actions:
    • Immediately respond to the scene and investigate the situation.
    • Provide information to the affected customer about who the responsible party is, the cause of the blockage, who needs to repair it, and who is responsible for the cleanup of the affected area.
If there is a small volume of flow or the source is from an upper level of the structure the issue is internal: contact a licensed plumbing professional. Public lines typically have large volumes and pressure.
What is a private sewer lateral?
A private sewer lateral is the section of underground pipe that connects the sewage system in a private building to the City owned and maintained sewer system under the streets or easements. As the name implies, the private sewer lateral is a pipe that is owned and maintained by the private property owner.
What causes sewage backups?
  • Damage to public sanitary sewer lines by private parties or contractors.
  • Damage to a public sanitary sewer line by public entities or contractors.
  • Power or mechanical failures at City sewage ‘lift stations’.
  • Blockages of a public sewer line due to debris (rocks, sticks, lumber, toys, roots, baby wipes, garbage, grease).
  • Settlement or movement of the earth below a sewer line. 
  • Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) are caused by major rainfall that overwhelms the system with rainwater runoff.
  • Damage to the privately owned segment of the wastewater conveyance system by any of the above causes.
Is my health or my family’s health at risk from sewage leaks?
Contact with untreated sewage always carries a potential health risk. People and pets should be evacuated from any contaminated buildings or exposure areas as soon as possible.
Questions about Billing?
Billing for City services such as water, sewer, streets, stormwater, etc. falls under the Utility Billing Department