Stormwater and Water Quality

Residents

Pesticides, Fertilizers, Yard & Garden Care

• Solve pest and weed problems. Effective, low risk solutions.
• Tips for low, medium or greenest lawn care ideas that are safe and healthy.
• Grow smart guide - a resource for lawn care products.
• Landscape tips - for you or a yard care service
• Native plants of the Willamette Valley
  The Garden Professors - Science of gardening blog

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 car wash 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
• Read about stormwater-safe pressure washing tips.

Spills and leaks

• Tips for cleaning up spills and leaks 

Rain Gardens

New to these natural water-treatment facilities? Learn how rain gardens work to filter pollutants. 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
• Food service
• Landscaping service
• Maintenance
• Painting

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.

To report 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. Or contact us by email.