Where is the treated water discharged? And is it safe to be in the water near there?
In winter, treated water is returned to Tickle Creek (which goes into the Clackamas River). Higher winter flows from rain and snow increase the creek’s capability to accept treated wastewater without harming aquatic life. During the summer, the city produces highly treated “recycled water” that is used to irrigate plants at a nearby nursery. The city is proud to be conserving water resources through this longstanding, successful water recycling program. The effluent treated water meets DEQ permitted requirements when it is discharged into Tickle Creek.