OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

The Operations Department takes great pride in its service delivery.  This service delivery will be accomplished in a cost effective and professional manner using the most progressive technological and personnel resources that can be obtained within the constraints that are made available to the department through its citizens.

The Operations Department is divided into four main functions:  Streets/Drainage, Water/Sewer, Water Treatment and Traffic.

The Operations & Maintenance Division Superintendent reports directly to the Public Works Director (Engineering).  The Superintendent oversees the Streets/Drainage, Water/Sewer, Water Treatment/Supply, Traffic and Motor Pool Divisions.

Street/Drainage

This is a combined division that maintains in excess of 64 miles of streets, 10 miles of improved alleys and 2 miles of unimproved alleys.  In addition, 55 plus miles of storm sewer ranging from 4" to 60" diameter, 1200 catch basins and 496 manholes are maintained. 

The Street Division's main priority is to ensure that all Kelso streets and alleys are as safe as possible for the public.

The Drainage Division's main objective is to ensure that the current drainage system operates in the most effective way possible to ensure life loss and property damage is kept to a minimum. 

Traffic

Facilities supported by this division include traffic control systems, 4 bridges, structures housing Engineering, City Council Chambers, Finance, Police, Library and the Train Depot.  Street facilities include approximately 380 street lights, 550 parking stalls, 307 crosswalks, and signage for traffic and pedestrian safety.  In addition this division also assists in setting up for parades, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and other special city events.

Water/Sewer

The City of Kelso distributes clean water and collects wastewater from approximately 4,725 residential and commercial customers.  This division of the Public Works Department is accountable for providing a safe, potable and adequate water distribution system and the safe and efficient removal and disposal of liquid wastes.

The City of Kelso operates and maintains 80 miles of water distribution system pipe, with 7 pump stations, 8 reservoir sites, and 12 pressure zones.  The water supply is provided by a Ranney Collector with a 3.6 MGD Iron Removal facility with an excess of 1400 main water valves, approximately 605 fire hydrants and hydrant valves. 

The Sewer Collection system consists of 60 miles of pipe with 11 pump stations, 3954 connections and over 1223 manholes.  Sewage is transported to a regional treatment plant serving the communities of Longview, Kelso and the urban areas surrounding the cities.

Day to day functions include, but are not limited to, service and tap orders, assisting Finance with turn on/turn off's, repairing or replacing faulty meters, broken angle meter stops, service leak repairs, utlity locates and pump station monitoring and maintenance.

Water Treatment/Supply

The City of Kelso operates and maintains a Group 3 Water Treatment Plant.  This division of Public Works employs two full time Water Treatment Plant Operators and a part-time Relief Operator.  The raw water supply is received from a Ranney well located on the east bank of the Cowlitz River and is rated as ground water under the influence of surface water and therefore is subject to surface water treatment regulations.  Chlorine bleach, alum, and polymer are added for disinfection and to enhance filtration for removal of particulate matter along with removing iron, manganese and arsenic.  Fluoridation is practiced for the prevention of tooth decay and Ph adjustment is made for corrosion control to protect our utility and customer plumbing and maintain compliance with lead and copper regulations.

The Water Treatment Plant is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the treatment plant, all source and distribution water quality monitoring, and is accountable for providing a safe and adequate water supply into the distribution system.

The following are summaries of the drinking water quality provided to you during the year.  This report details where your water comes from, what it contains, and the City of Kelso’s commitment to deliver safe drinking water to our customers.

Water Quality Report 2008
Water Quality Report 2009
Water Quality Report 2010
Water Use Efficiency 2010

For more information please Contact our Staff.