The Public Works Operations Division is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of Salem’s water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. Within Operations are seven subgroups, including Water Services, Wastewater Services, Willow Lake Water Pollution Control Facility, Stormwater Services, Facilities Engineering, Customer Services, and Administrative Support.

Water Services is responsible for Salem’s watershed protection program, the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility, water transmission mains, water storage, distribution piping, pump stations, and fire hydrants, along with our customers' service lines and water meters for over 178,000 people in the Salem area.

Wastewater Services is responsible for sanitary sewer lines, interceptors, and pump stations. The Willow Lake Water Pollution Control Facility provides wastewater treatment services for over 216,000 people in the Salem-Keizer area.

Stormwater Services is responsible for Salem streams, ditches, stormwater piping, detention basins, and outfalls.

Environmental Services is responsible for Salem’s Industrial Pretreatment Program, environmental spill response, environmental enforcement actions, water quality sampling, environmental site assesments, hazardous waste management, and public outreach.

Customer Services is responsible for a 24/7 dispatch center, water meter reading and billing, and a customer billing call center.

Administrative support provides payroll, clerical, and budgetary management support to Operations staff.

The Mission Statement for the Operations Division is:

"To operate and maintain the City’s infrastructure by providing quality service to our customers through dedicated and reliable employees who share the responsibility for advancing common community values. To foster a higher quality of life, we recognize the past, and plan for the future, through the wise use of community resources and ongoing development and support of City personnel."

Click here to view an organization chart of the Operations Division.