Public Works
Description: The Department of Public Works is composed of six separate divisions with three different dedicated funds: Street Fund, Water Fund and Wastewater Fund. Revenues from individual dedicated funds cannot be co-mingled, and joint services between funds must be tracked and charged for appropriate reimbursement. Within the Department, administrative and engineering services are split proportionally among the funds.
Call 811 or notify online at least two working days before you dig to prevent injury or utility damage. The Utility Notification Center is open 24/7.
Public Works Department FAQ
Who do I call about my water service?
Who do I call for emergency water shut off?
Who do I call about cloudy or brown drinking water?
Occasionally main flushing causes water flowing from a tap to be discolored from stirred up sediment or milky white caused by tiny air bubbles. Although discolored water won’t make you sick, you might want to flush the pipe by running the water for several minutes before drinking or washing.
If the water does not clear, please contact the Public Works office at (541) 296-5401.
Who do I call about drinking water quality?
Questions about the Annual Water Quality Report or The Dalles Water Quality Laboratory can be answered by the Water Quality Manager at Wicks Water Treatment Plant. Email waterquality@ci.the-dalles.or.us or call (541) 298-2248.
Who do I call about backflow prevention assembly installation or testing?
A Backflow Prevention Assembly Installation Permit must be issued before installation. An online form is available here.
Assembly selection, installation and testing must conform to requirements set out in The Dalles Municipal Code Chapter 3.20 Cross Connection Control as a condition of water service, as required by the State of Oregon Health Authority.
A brochure explaining backflow prevention requirements is available here.
If you have any questions about the form or about annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies, please call (541) 296-5401 and ask for the Cross Connection Specialist.