Clean Water News & Stories

Statement by CEO Diane Taniguchi-Dennis

I take the recent media coverage about executive spending seriously. As CEO, I should model accountable executive spending to avoid an appearance of impropriety. This is expected by our ratepayers, partner cities, Clean Water Services (CWS) employees, and the CWS Board of Directors. I understand and agree with the oversight of the Board to implement the requirements in the adopted Resolution and Order and Board statement to limit executive spending and to enhance transparency and accountability. I am committed to upholding these requirements and to work with the Board on a plan to rebuild trust. 

Being CEO means leading a team that can meet the challenges of the sensitive Tualatin River that requires compliance with some of the strictest environmental regulatory requirements in the nation. The region has benefitted from the practical wastewater and stormwater management solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. 

CWS is an established globally recognized utility that maintains low rates as compared to other wastewater and stormwater utilities despite the high level of treatment provided to meet regulatory compliance, the rising operational costs in chemicals, energy, materials, equipment, and the rising construction costs. By planning ahead with predictable rate increases, managing the risks, and diversifying revenue with non-rate revenue, we have built a solid financial foundation to face future challenges with innovation and ingenuity.  

I appreciate the commitment of our CWS employees who provide essential services round-the-clock every day of the year, ensuring the protection of our community’s health and the environment. I am ready to get to work to rebuild the trust of our ratepayers, partners cities, and the Board.

Additional Resources 
Statement by the CWS Board of Directors
CWS Board Resolution & Order
Recent Media Coverage FAQs 
About the CWS Budget
CWS Board of Directors
CWS Executive Leadership 
Who & Where We Serve

Recently Published

CWS Board Launches General Manager Recruitment

The Clean Water Services (CWS) Board of Directors has launched a national recruitment for a General Manager to lead the regional sewer and stormwater utility and its approximately 500 employees.
An aerial shot of people kayaking on the Tualatin River in late evening as the sun shines over the trees.

Leave it to Beavers 

There’s a lot we already know about nature’s engineers. Beavers have iron-enriched teeth, which is what makes them strong enough to gnaw wood (and gives them an orange color). Beavers also have a unique way of communicating — by slapping their tails to draw attention to something or even warn of potential danger.  
A beaver in water.
A profile of Diane Taniguchi-Dennis listening to a presentation, with blurry images of other people in the background.