Live near a stream?

A major source of water pollution is the runoff from rain and watering. Before our community was developed, rainfall soaked slowly into the ground or flowed to wetlands, streams and rivers. As buildings and pavement have replaced plants and topsoil, water runs off instead of soaking into the soil

Runoff goes to the storm drains and ditches. It picks up anything that floats or dissolves-litter, oil, gas, fertilizer, weed killer, etc. Then it flows untreated to the Tualatin River.

Our community has spent many millions of dollars to clean up the Tualatin River, and public agencies are working hard to protect the watershed. Our wastewater is treated to the nation’s highest standards.

So why is water quality still a problem? Because what we do in our homes and yards can pollute the water. More than ever, clean water is up to each one of us. Join the PARTNERS FOR CLEAN WATER, and we’ll all enjoy cleaner, safer water.

Free Stream Care Guide

Get your free copy of The Stream Care Guide, a primer for streamside property owners. This 34-page illustrated booklet will help you learn how to enhance your property and protect your stream. For your copy, please call (503) 681-4463 or email teraglie@cleanwaterservices.org.

• Learn more about our program for streamside homeowners.

Free poster

Get your free Gardening with Native Plants poster at teraglie@cleanwaterservices.org or by calling (503) 681-4463. Post this colorful fold-out poster containing 50 northwest natives with their growing conditions. You’ll also get a list of native plant nurseries, educational workshops, annual native plant sales and a reference guide.

You enjoy a special privilege that many people don’t have. Your home and yard care affects the stream’s health and beauty. Here are 10 ideas to help you and your family take better care of your stream:

1. Grass and leaves pollute

• Keep grass clippings, leaves, and litter away from streams and ditches.
• Even "natural" materials pollute the water.
• Decomposing matter uses up oxygen that fish and other water creatures need to survive.
• Debris in drainage ways can cause flooding, too.

2. Limit fertilizer, weed Killer, and chemicals

• Use the minimum amount, follow directions, and apply with care.
• Keep chemicals off pavement and away from storm drains and streams.
• Fertilizers speed unpleasant algae growth.
• Chemicals that kill insects, weeds, moss, and rodents can also injure the beneficial plants and animals.

3. Streambanks need plants

• Healthy stream banks have trees, shrubs and ground cover that slow erosion and filter runoff water.
• The plants also provide food, nesting areas and safe cover for wildlife.
• Trees shade and cool the water which helps fish to survive in summer.

4. Landscape with native plants.

• Native plants need less water, fertilizer and pesticides than non-native plants.
• Wildlife prefers native plants, too.
• Use our Native Plant Finder to get detailed information on a variety of plants native to our region.

5. Remove invasive plants

• Blackberries and english ivy can force out native plants and kill trees. Their shallow roots don’t prevent erosion or filter runoff well.
• Lawns force out native plants, too.
• When possible, remove invasive plants and replace with natives.

6. Leave logs, boulders, and branches

• In streams, natural logs and rocks form the pools and riffles that provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife.

7. Keep animals away from the stream

• Pets and livestock can trample stream banks and kill the plants. Harmful erosion results.
• Animal waste in the stream carries bacteria that can infect people and animals that drink or touch the water.
• Never place fencing across a stream.
• For advice on managing livestock near a stream, call the county Soil and Water Conservation District.

8. Teach your children

• Children at play can damage the fragile stream habitat if they trample the banks, build dams, move boulders, stir up the bottom mud, or bother the wildlife.
• Teach children to value and care for the stream and its inhabitants.

9. Become a steward of your stream

• Join or form a "Friends" group to monitor, protect and restore your stream.

10. Report illegal dumping and chemical spills

• Report illegal dumping to the city or county.
• Chemical spills should be reported to DEQ at (503) 229-5263.
• To dispose of hazardous waste, call Metro at (503) 234-3000.