Working for Clean Rivers: What You Can Do

Many of our common, everyday activities can affect the health of our urban watersheds. When it rains, storm water runoff that isn’t properly managed can wash over streets and other hard surfaces and carry pollutants into our rivers, streams and groundwater. We can all work together to keep our watersheds healthy and our rivers and streams clean.

Automobiles
Automobiles are a major source of water pollution. Motor oil and other automotive fluids dumped into a storm drain can end up in a nearby stream. Even small leaks on driveways and streets cause problems. Brakes and tires leave particles on streets, and particles from auto emissions settle on streets. When it rains, storm water runoff can carry all that pollution to the nearest stream. Oil poisons fish and kills plants. Oil and brake dust can accumulate in fish, making them unhealthy to eat and causing death. Gasoline robs water of the oxygen fish need. Antifreeze is toxic to both fish and plants.

What You Can Do
Drive your car less and use public transit or ride a bicycle instead. Recycle used motor oil at the curb. Dispose of antifreeze at a hazardous waste facility. Soak up driveway oil spills with kitty litter, then put the litter in a paper bag and throw it in the trash. Use an automated car wash that recycles wash water and uses non-phosphate soap. Avoid fuel spills when working on your car.



Sediment
Sediment is loose soil from gardens and construction sites that can wash into streams and make it hard for fish and aquatic insects to absorb oxygen. Murky water makes it hard for fish to find food, and sediments settling on stream beds can suffocate fish eggs.

Pesticides kill insects and weeds, and when stormwater runoff washes them into streams they can kill aquatic life. Pesticides can also accumulate in stream organisms. That can make fish unhealthy to eat and change the genetic structure of wildlife, making it hard for them to reproduce. Paints and solvents poison fish and wildlife by damaging their nervous systems, respiratory systems and skin. As little as a pint of solvent in a stream can kill fish.

What You Can Do
Stay on trails and keep dogs on leashes in natural areas to reduce erosion in wetlands and streams. Preserve established trees and shrubs. Plant new trees. Don’t let sprinkler water wash over streets and sidewalks. Recycle or compost weeds and grass clippings. Never pour chemicals, oils, paints or solvents down the drain. Call Metro at 503-234-3000 for disposal information. Call the Spill Response Hotline at 503-823-7180 to report pollution 24 hours a day. Let paint rags dry completely, then throw them in the garbage. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Don’t litter.


Fertilizers
Fertilizers help plants grow in your garden and in streams. When fertilizer washes into streams, it can stimulate algae growth and create algal blooms. This is when algae manufacture oxygen during the day but use up oxygen at night through a process called respiration. This makes it difficult for fish to get the oxygen they need. The fluctuating oxygen levels can be so stressful for fish that it weakens their immune system and can cause death. Pet waste contains bacteria, parasites and disease-transmitting organisms. It’s not healthy for aquatic life, pets or humans. Pet waste can also stimulate algae growth. When pet waste decomposes, it uses up even more oxygen in the stream.

What You Can Do
Use non-toxic alternatives to lawn and garden chemicals. Call Metro at 503-234-3000 for information. Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers to reduce erosion and storm water runoff. Attend a free Naturescaping for Clean Rivers workshop. Call 503-797-1842 or email naturescaping@yahoo.com. Sweep driveways and patios instead of hosing dirt and debris into the street. Help reduce storm water runoff. Call 503-823-1371 for information about managing storm water on your property.

http://www.portlandonline.com/parks to learn about the Dogs for the Environment program. Pick up pet waste and throw it in the garbage or toilet.

Join in!
Environmental Services offers free watershed health education programs and activities for students and adults. To learn more visit http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/education

Source: Environmental Services City of Portland (http://www.cleanriverspdx.org)