Collection System Master Plan Update

The City is embarking on a long-range plan for the City’s wastewater (sewer) collection system, called the Collection System Master Plan. The updated plan will guide priorities and strategies to ensure the system remains in proper operational condition and aligned with the needs of a growing community.

Pipes black in color attached to pumps that are maroon in color.

The Collection System Master Plan will shape future development and maintenance of Bend’s sewer system. Development of this plan will help the City achieve the Council’s goal to “ensure water, wastewater, and stormwater systems are aligned with the needs of a growing community”.

The Collection System Master Plan is a 20-year planning document that establishes a clear vision for our community’s sewer collection system, a vital framework beneath our City. The plan identifies both short-term and long-term system improvements needed to address existing condition and capacity issues, and plan for future sewer capacity. This project is an update that builds upon the framework and collection system concepts established in the 2014 Collection System Master Plan.

Schedule and Background

STEP ONE – Land Use Assumptions

The plan will be based on forecasts and assumptions about the City’s future population, housing types, employment, and types of development. The City team working on the master plan presented information and received feedback from the City Council’s Community Building Subcommittee on October 27, 2021 about the land-use projections and assumptions on which the Collection System Master Plan will be developed. 

The model includes forecasted housing and employment growth within the City of Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary through 2043. Land use data helps the City forecast wastewater flows and needs. To estimate current and future wastewater flows, the City needs to forecast growth in housing units and jobs over the planning period. To do this, the project team uses a land use model to forecast development of different types of housing and jobs across the various districts in the city (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use). This approach builds on the work the City’s UGB project team completed with the  2016 UGB Expansion.

STEP TWO – CSMP Development

The master planning development process includes evaluating the state of our collection system; creating a long-term vision based on the agreed upon land use projections and assumptions; and developing immediate (5-year CIP) and future service and capital plans. 

City Council and Subcommittee Engagement During Development

  • August 11, 2025 – Community Building Subcommittee
  • July 31, 2025 – Stewardship Subcommittee Meeting

STEP THREE – City Council Approval

  • Once the updated CSMP has be developed, the final plan will be formally presented to City Council for approval and adoption. The City Council adoption is projected to take place in 2026.. 

Community Values

Water and the natural environment are cherished resources in Central Oregon. The high desert environment and high-quality water flowing in our rivers, creeks, and groundwater aquifer supports a high quality of life for Bend residents, visitors, businesses and fish and wildlife. Appropriate wastewater management is essential to protecting our environment and water resources.

Discover More

Infrastructure is a critical part of providing safe, sustainable water services. Infrastructure repair and improvement projects are a long-term investment in our community. Learn more about City of Bend’s water system and sign-up for project updates:

Project Documents

1SMP1 Solicitation Number 24-3208

Related Projects

2014 Collection System Master Plan

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Water Reclamation Facility Plan Update

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Stormwater Master Plan Update

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Contacts