Only Rain Down the Drain!
Here are some simple actions you can take to help protect the streams, rivers, and the overall health of the Willamette Basin:
Inside Your Home:
- Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of household chemicals, medicines, oils, and other pollutants properly. Never pour these down drains or gutters, as they can end up in the water system. Many pharmacies have ‘Drug Take Back’ programs.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Be mindful of single-use plastics and trash that can end up in our waterways. Recycle and properly dispose of litter to help prevent debris from polluting our rivers.
- Recycle older fluorescent tubes and lights: These products may contain mercury.
Outside Your Home:
- Washing Cars: Wash your car at a car wash, on your lawn, or on gravel to help filter water through the soil instead of sending it directly to storm drains, where it can pollute local creeks and rivers.
- Pick Up After Pets: Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and nutrients that can wash into the water when it rains. Always clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly.
- Keep a Spill Kit Handy: A spill kit can help prevent harmful substances like paint or pesticides from contaminating the environment. Store cleaning supplies and oils safely, and be prepared to clean up any spills immediately. Contact the public works department if kit is needed.
- Don’t Dump in Storm Drains: Storm drains lead directly to our streams and rivers without treatment. Only rain should go down these drains.
- Use Fertilizers and Pesticides Responsibly: Excess fertilizers and pesticides can wash into storm drains during rainfall, polluting local streams with harmful chemicals. Use these products sparingly, and consider organic alternatives to help protect water quality.
- Avoid Disrupting Soil Near Water: Disturbing soil near waterways can wash these contaminants like mercury or fertilizer into the water.
- Reduce Stormwater Runoff: Create rain gardens, use permeable paving materials, and plant native vegetation to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
- Support Streamside Vegetation: Plant native trees and shrubs along the banks to provide shade, stabilize the soil, and reduce water temperature. These riparian buffers help keep water cool and healthy for fish and other aquatic life.