The Wastewater Collections section is a branch of the City of Newberg Public Works Maintenance Division. This section is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the sanitary sewer collection system, which consists of over 80 miles of pipe which ranges in sizes from 54” to 4” inches in diameter, and some of which is over 100 years old. The system also has over 1400 manholes that range in depths of from less than 3 feet to over 30 feet deep, which are used to access the service lines for maintenance and inspection.

Maintenance activities of the system cover a wide range that includes inspections of manholes for infiltration of ground water and structural integrity. Video inspections of the piping are done with specialized underwater cameras that provide us with up to date condition status of the piping. Lines are cleaned using high pressure water jets at over 1,800 PSI. Debris is removed from the piping using a large vacuum system. Other inspection and system integrity checks utilize injecting smoke into the pipes to check for illegal connections or breaks in the system. Special fluorescent dyes are used to track system flows.

In addition to inspections and operations, the Wastewater Collections crew also performs repairs to the damaged or failing parts of the system. This includes excavating and repair of mainlines, installation of new service laterals, manhole repairs and installations, and sealing of the system to prevent and reduce groundwater infiltration, which can increase treatment costs.

This system of piping and manholes provides wastewater collection service to the over 6,500 wastewater services that are connected to it on a 24/7 basis. Work performed by the members of the Wastewater Collection crew is enhanced by some of the latest technologies in excavation and inspection procedures. The focus of their efforts is to provide an effective and efficient system that helps protect the public health, while operating the system in full compliance with the City’s annual DEQ Permit. In doing this, not only are they providing a necessary service to the customers of the system, but they are also acting as stewards of the land, waters, and the people of our community.

For any questions regarding wastewater, please contact

Mike Conway
Wastewater Collections Crew Chief
Office: 503 – 537 – 1234
E-mail: mike.conway@newbergoregon.gov