Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tualatin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
Sole-source water supply vulnerability
August's transmission line leak showed Tualatin runs on one pipeline from Portland with no backup that can meet full daily demand. Public Works wants to start serious planning for a backup supply identified in the 2023 Water Master Plan — a big, costly decision coming within the next year.
Downtown floodplain and stormwater management
Most of downtown drains into Nyberg Creek, and last year the main drainage outlet sat three feet below the creek's elevation — meaning water had to flow uphill to drain. A new project could add floodwater capacity and let downtown developers skip building costly on-site stormwater facilities.
New Clean Water Services operating agreement
Tualatin's 2005 sewer and stormwater deal with Clean Water Services was outdated, so the city helped negotiate a new five-year agreement covering who owns and maintains what, how enforcement works, and billing. The city can now charge CWS an administrative fee for billing services it long covered itself, and CWS will make an annual presentation to the council.
Republic Services 2025 performance and Metro rate increase
Metro is raising the regional waste fee 10% and the regional excise fee 5%, on top of a reported 92% in garbage rate hikes since 2020. Councilors pushed back, and the food scraps technical assistance program lost its funding.
Utility Fee Rate Increases for Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Road, and Parks
Your utility bills are going up. The rates follow the city's master plans and the road fee's index, but one councilor wanted no increases and another abstained wanting more answers.
108th Ave. Sewer Project contract
The council approved hiring WSP USA for engineering and construction management on the 108th Avenue sewer project, moving a key infrastructure upgrade forward.
Recycled water ('purple pipe') for Tualatin Community Park
The city will use Clean Water Services recycled water instead of drinking water for park irrigation, saving about 80% on water costs. The catch: a pipeline has to go under a railroad, so service may not start until summer 2028.
Water reservoir seismic valves grant
The city accepted a state grant to install seismic valves on its water reservoirs — emergency shutoffs that protect drinking water in an earthquake.