Water Reclamation Facility Plan Update

The Water Reclamation Facility Plan Update will shape future development and maintenance of Bend’s Water Reclamation Facility. 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 Water Reclamation Facility Plan Update is a 20-year planning document that establishes a clear vision for our community’s water reclamation facility, a vital facility of our City. The plan identifies both short-term and long-term facility improvements needed to address existing condition and capacity issues, and plan for future capacity. This project is an update that builds upon the framework and treatment system concepts established in the 2008 Water Reclamation Facility Plan.

Engineering consultants performing condition assessment 

STEP ONE – WRF Facility Plan Update Development

The planning development process includes evaluating the state of the Water Reclamation Facility; creating a long-term vision based on flow and loading projections and assumptions; and developing immediate (5-year CIP) and future service and capital plans.  

• City is under contract with a professional engineering consultant approved on 10/16/2024 by City Council.
• Estimated timeline for development – Winter 2024 – Fall/Winter 2025
  • The project officially kicked off in late November 2024.
  • City staff initiated Environmental Regulatory Review with Oregon Department of Environmental
  • Quality in mid-February 2025.
  • In mid-May 2025 professional engineering consultants conducted an existing facilities and site evaluation, including an onsite condition assessment of structures and equipment.
  • City staff provided a progress update to the Stewardship Subcommittee in July 2025. Watch the recording of the presentation.
  • In early fall professional engineering consultants completed refinement of flow and loading projections through 2045. These projections were developed in concert with the ongoing Collection System Master Plan (CSMP) Update project team. This information will advise existing and future capacity needs based on population growth.
  • The estimated timeline for development has shifted to account for supplementary work, including the renewal of the City’s Water Pollution Control Facility Permit. It is anticipated that plan development will conclude in Spring 2026.

STEP TWO – City Council Approval

• Once the updated Water Reclamation Facility Plan has be developed and approved by City staff and the Stewardship Subcommittee, the final plan will be formally presented to City Council for approval and adoption. The City Council adoption is projected to take place in Fall/Winter 2025.
• Because of supplementary work, project staff are anticipating City Council adoption to take place in Spring/Summer 2026.

1SFPU Solicitation Number 24-3209

• City of Bend 2008 Water Reclamation Facilities Plan
• City of Bend Water Pollution Control Facilities (WPCF) Permit
• CWSRF Original Loan Agreement between the City and DEQ
• CWSRF Amendment #1 to Original Loan Agreement between the City and DEQ
• City of Bend Strategic Energy Management Plan
• City of Bend Regional Resource Recovery Alternative Analysis Report
• City of Bend Community Climate Action Plan
• City of Bend 2014 Collection System Master Plan
• City of Bend 2024 Collection System Master Plan Update (Ongoing)
• Guidelines for Preparing Wastewater Planning Documents and Environmental Reports for Public Utilities: Department of Environmental Quality : Planning, Design and Construction : Clean Water State Revolving Fund : State of Oregon
• Department of Land Conservation and Development : Goal 11: Public Facilities and Services : Oregon Planning : State of Oregon
• City Council Stewardship Subcommittee | Public Involvement Approach & Plan (Presentation)