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Become Water Wise

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Become Water Wise at Home 

flowersRunoff from your roof, lawn, or driveway can carry harmful pollutants to our waterways. By performing some of these practices at home, we can do a lot to keep our rivers and streams safe and clean.

  • Pick up pet waste
  • Implement lawn care BMPs
  • Reduce chemical cleaners and landscape products or use water-safe products
  • Disconnect downspouts
  • Increase green space
  • Install a rain garden
  • Reduce water consumption
  • Keep drains clear of litter and debris
Tips for the home
Lawn care tips

Become Water Wise at Work

desk with laptop computers

Just like at home, runoff from roofs and parking lots of businesses can carry harmful pollutants to our waterways. Oil, litter, debris, and heavy metals from vehicles have been tied to fish die-offs and reduced water quality. Here is what businesses in Marion County can do to keep our rivers and streams safe and clean:

  • Become EarthWISE Certified
  • Add storm drain stencils to your parking lot storm drains
  • Install beneficial stormwater facilities and receive a credit on your stormwater bill. Contact us for more information! 
  • Reduce chemical use from cleaners and landscape products or use water-safe products
  • Introduce landscape best management practices

Water Wise for AgricultureFarm stock photo.jpg

Many current agricultural practices can contribute to water pollution through erosion and runoff issues. Water can carry pesticides, fertilizers, sediment, bacteria from livestock waste, and more off of farms and into our waterways and water  conveyance systems. Using agricultural best management practices is key! Here are some resources:

  • Marion Soil and Water Conservation District is a great resource for property owners and are here to help! They can offer technical advice, site visits, and even have grant funding available. Check out their website!
  • Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District has put together a great collection of videos on BMPs for agricultural practices. Check them out here!
  • Chat with our EarthWISE program representatives to learn how using BMPs and reducing waste can get you access to free consultation, resources, networking, and promotion of your business!
  • Contact our team to find out more!

Become Water Wise During Construction 

paintersTo protect waterways, wetlands, surface water, open channels, and closed storm drain systems, the County Commissioners have set two ordinances requiring erosion prevention and sediment control practices during construction site activities. Here are some resources for constructions sites:

  • Stormwater Quality Treatment Engineering Standards for within the Stormwater Management Area
  • Clean Water Services Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Manual

Contact Land Development Engineering & Permits at (503) 584-7714.