The Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District (UFSWQD) helps protect lives and properties from flooding by operating, maintaining and improving the flood safety system along the Columbia River in northern Multnomah County, and responding to flood emergencies.
On July 1, 2024, the UFSWQD replaced four historic Drainage Districts that managed the flood safety system for over 100 years. This consolidation results in a more efficient governance structure and reflects the fact that the flood protection infrastructure functions as one complete system.
The UFSWQD takes a new integrated approach to flood safety, ensuring that flood safety solutions are equity-centered, resilient to climate change, nature-based, and culturally responsive. This integrated mission includes:
- Reducing the risk of flooding, protecting people and property from flooding, and responding to flood emergencies.
- Contributing to improved water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and landscape resilience in the managed floodplain.
- Promoting equity and social justice in all aspects of the district’s operations.
- Preparing for and adapting to the impact of climate change in relation to the managed floodplain.
- Providing the public with information regarding the infrastructure and history of the managed floodplain.
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