July/August 2022 Customer Newsletter
Board Byline by Susan Keil, Board President

Oak Lodge Water Services (OLWS) provides a high level of service to customers in the form of reliable drinking water, wastewater, and watershed protection services. This spring, the Budget Committee held public meetings and worked together to keep any rate increases to a minimum. The volunteers on the Budget Committee, who are also customers, had a deep understanding of the challenges everyone has faced over this past year. Through the process the Budget Committee found opportunities for cost reduction in 11 areas such as computer maintenance and equipment rentals to keep the rate adjustment to a minimum.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank our Budget Committee and everyone who provided comments at the June 21, 2022 public hearing on the proposed $4.60 per month increase for the average residential customer’s monthly cost*. The rate increase was adopted and will cover supply cost increases, mandatory wastewater improvement projects, and other system improvements needed to continue to provide reliable, high-quality services. These rates are effective on July 1, 2022. Below is a breakdown by service:

• Drinking Water $0.79 per month
• Wastewater $3.81 per month
• Watershed Protection $0.00 per month

OLWS is a special district that provides three essential water services to nearly 29,000 people in a roughly 6.5 square mile area of unincorporated Clackamas County as well as parts of Gladstone and Milwaukie. As a self-sustaining local government agency, OLWS focuses every dollar and every day on maintaining reliable drinking water, wastewater, and watershed protection services. Ongoing investments in OLWS’ infrastructure are necessary to keep customers and the environment safe and respond to new regulatory standards.

*OLWS defines its average residential customer as a single-family residence with a 5/8-inch water meter, monthly water consumption of 6 CCF (hundred cubic feet), winter average water consumption (averaged as a calculation of wastewater billing) of 6 CCF, and 2,500 square feet of impervious (non-porous) surface (one equivalent service unit or ESU) for watershed protection billing.