Why Water Quality Matters in Dallas
Rickreall Creek is part of the river system that connects to the Willamette River. The community members of Dallas are closely tied to the health of our waterways. Rickreall Creek and the Willamette river sustain our community in many ways such as supporting wildlife and local ecosystems, and offering recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, or swimming. However, pollution from runoff threatens the ecosystem, by impacting water quality and wildlife. Understanding our impact and changing behavior, can help preserve the river as a vital resource for future generations and preserve the beauty that makes Dallas a special place to live.
What affects water quality?
Several factors can harm the water quality in our local rivers, including bacteria, mercury, temperature, debris, and stormwater runoff.
Managing Runoff
Stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution. Unlike pollution from factories or sewage plants, which can be controlled, stormwater pollution—also known as nonpoint source pollution (NPS)—comes from everyday activities on land. It’s the leading reason why 40% of the country’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries aren’t clean enough for activities like fishing or swimming. We all unknowingly contribute to this issue.
Pollutants
NPS pollution is caused by rainfall moving over and through the ground. Paved surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Rainwater can pick up:
- Fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural and residential areas
- Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff
- Sediment from improperly managed construction sites
- Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes and faulty septic systems
- Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification
These pollutants can then flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, river, or wetland, and eventually to the Pacific Ocean.
Anything that enters a storm sewer system (i.e. a drain, catchbasin, ditch, etc) is eventually discharged untreated into the bodies of water we use for swimming, fishing, and irrigation.
By understanding these threats, we can all take simple actions—reducing waste, preventing runoff, and supporting conservation efforts—to protect the health of Rickreall Creek and the Willamette River.
