Fall activities
Learn, Explore and Protect our water systems this season to celebrate 100 Years of Water Service.
Stormwater, wastewater and everyday stewardship
This fall, as we celebrate 100 years of water service, we’re highlighting what happens after water leaves your home and the many ways the City works to protect water quality throughout our community. 
At the City of Bend, we take a One Water approach because all water is connected. From drinking water to stormwater to wastewater treatment, our teams work together to protect public health, support our environment and keep our water systems working for future generations. Learn how wastewater is cleaned and returned safely to the water cycle, discover the infrastructure that helps protect our rivers and groundwater, and take simple actions to help keep water clean.
Participate in one (or more!) of the activities below, let us know what you learned or explored, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes like Water Services swag, water-saving devices and more.
- Learn about wastewater treatment, stormwater management and the people who keep Bend’s water systems running.
- Explore the facilities, waterways and infrastructure that help protect Bend’s water.
- Protect our water by taking simple actions at home and in your neighborhood.
Learn
- Meet the people behind Bend’s water. Watch our video featuring the dedicated staff who operate, maintain and plan for Bend’s water systems every day. Learn about the many roles involved in delivering safe, reliable water and protecting public health. Use this form to tell us something you learned and you’ll be entered into a prize drawing.
- What happens after water goes down the drain? Take a virtual tour of our Water Reclamation Facility! There, wastewater is filtered, cleaned, disinfected, tested and safely returned to the water cycle. Along the way, beneficial microorganisms help break down waste in what operators sometimes call a “good bug factory.” Use this form to share one thing you learned and you’ll be entered into a prize drawing.
- Connect with a water expert during Water Professionals Appreciation Week, October 3-11. Dozens of operators, engineers, technicians, utility workers and laboratory staff work behind the scenes to keep Bend’s water systems running. Ask them a question, tell us which job is most interesting to you, or send a thank-you message using this form.
- Watch the winning One Water Student Video Contest public service commercial and see how local students are helping tell the story of water stewardship in Bend. Submit your favorite takeaway using this form for a chance to win a prize.
- Use our online stormwater map to locate storm drains near your home or workplace. Explore how stormwater moves through the community and learn where runoff ultimately travels.
Explore
- Take the Newport Avenue Stormwater Walking Tour. Discover green infrastructure and stormwater features designed to improve water quality throughout Bend. Don’t forget to find the stormwater outfall at Pageant Park! Take a selfie during your tour and submit it through this form to be entered into a prize drawing.
- Find out what it takes to treat millions of gallons of water each day and return it safely to the water system – sign up for a tour of the Water Reclamation Facility. Learn about the physical and biological processes that remove contaminants and protect public health. Tours fill quickly, so sign up early by emailing waterservices@bendoregon.gov.
- Visit Tumalo Falls and Bridge Creek. Read the interpretive panels to learn about the sources of Bend’s drinking water, watershed protection and the area’s fire history. Take a selfie with the interpretive signage and submit it through this form for a chance to win prizes.
- Support a local beverage producer. Bend’s exceptional water helps support local businesses, including breweries, coffee roasters, kombucha makers and other beverage producers. Enjoy a locally made beverage, snap a selfie and submit it through this form to be entered into a prize drawing.
- Explore Hatfield Ponds. Visit this important wastewater management area and learn about its role in Bend’s water system. Take a photo of the reclamation ponds and submit it through this form to be entered into a prize drawing.
Protect
- Keep fats, oils and grease out of the drain. Cooking grease can build up inside pipes and create expensive clogs and sewer backups. Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost and dispose of grease properly instead of pouring it down sinks and drains. Tell us how you reduce fats, oils and grease at home using this form for a chance to win a prize.
- Skip the wipes. Even products labeled “flushable” can cause problems in wastewater systems. Help protect pipes, pumps and treatment equipment by throwing wipes in the trash instead of flushing them. Watch this video to learn more, and use this form to take the “trash it, don’t flush it” pledge.
- Prepare for fall storms. Help keep stormwater flowing by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains near your home when it is safe to do so. Take a before-and-after photo and submit it through this form to be entered into a prize drawing.
- Get an Indoor Conservation Kit. Small changes can save water year-round. Request an indoor conservation kit and install water-saving devices in your home. Tell us which device you installed through this form for a chance to win prizes.
- Sign up for WaterSmart. Monitor your daily water use, receive leak alerts and discover ways to save water and money. Everyone who signs up during the campaign will be entered into a prize drawing.
