Stormwater and Water Quality

Residents

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Reduce the use of chemicals in your yard. Learn about natural yard care with this grow smart guide
Learn about safe pest management
Learn about safe lawn care
What to consider if you use yard chemicals and weed and feed

Pet Waste

Pick up after your pets and toss waste into the garbage
Join Canines for Clean Water and receive a free bandana
Scoop the Poop!

Car Washing

Use phosphate-free and biodegradable cleansers or just water
Use rolled-up towels to divert wash water into a grassy or gravel area to allow the ground to filter pollutants
Read our fact sheet for more tips on stormwater-friendly car washing
To borrow a Fish-Friendly Carwash Kit for your carwash fundraiser, call 541-682-4929

Pressure Washing

Start with dry absorbents, sweeping and vacuuming
Filter runoff, divert it into landscaped areas, or pump it into the sanitary sewer to keep debris and chemicals out of storm drains
Check out our factsheet for more information about stormwater-safe pressure washing

Rain Gardens

New to these natural water-treatment facilities? Learn how rain gardens work by reading our fact sheet or the article from our 2017 newsletter.

Have one at home or on your street? Visit our rain garden resources page for information about the structure, plants and maintenance of these features. There is also an annual reporting form if your home has one of these private systems for stormwater.

Businesses

Some business owners aren't aware of practices that can affect water quality. Learn how your business can protect water from common pollutants:

Auto repair or service

Amazon Creek Habitat

Did you know that Amazon Creek is both a stormwater channel and a riparian habitat? If your home or business is along the Amazon, learn more about how this creek's vegetation improves stormwater quality.

If you see a spill or pollution entering a storm drain or in Amazon Creek, please call 541-682-4800 during business hours, or 541-682-5111 after hours to report it.