City of North Bend release - The City of North Bend has added a new Vac-Con combination sewer cleaner to its Wastewater Department fleet.  The City of North Bend has received a new Vac-Con combination sewer cleaner to support the ongoing maintenance of the community’s sewer collection system.  The truck was delivered on March 5, 2026, and staff have already completed initial training. It is expected to be placed into service right away to support the Wastewater Department’s daily operations.  For most residents, the sewer collection system is something they do not see. It is made up of underground pipes, manholes, pump stations, and maintenance equipment that work together to carry wastewater away from homes, schools, and businesses so it can be treated safely. When that system is working well, most people never have to think about it. But keeping it working well takes regular cleaning, inspection, and equipment replacement.  That is where this new truck comes in.  A Vac-Con combination sewer cleaner is designed to do several important jobs. It uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of sewer pipes, and it uses a powerful vacuum system to remove dirt, grease, roots, rocks, and other debris that can build up over time. This helps prevent blockages that could otherwise lead to sewer backups, service interruptions, or sanitary sewer overflows.  In simple terms, this truck helps the City clean out the system before problems become emergencies.  This purchase is important not only because it improves reliability, but also because it helps protect public health and the environment. A well-maintained sewer system reduces the chance of wastewater escaping where it does not belong and helps crews respond more effectively when maintenance or repairs are needed.  The new truck also improves overall operational efficiency. It replaces a 2012 Vac-Con unit in the Wastewater Department. That older truck will now be transferred to the Stormwater Department, which will allow the City to retire an even older 1997 Vactor truck. This creates better backup capability between departments and strengthens the City’s ability to maintain critical underground infrastructure citywide.  Most importantly, this investment shows how sewer fees are used. Sewer rates are not simply used to keep wastewater moving today — they also fund the equipment, maintenance, and long-term system replacements needed to keep the entire system dependable for the future.  While residents may never see this truck in action unless crews are working in their neighborhood, it plays a major role in protecting the health, safety, and functionality of essential city services.