The City of Estacada is in the Clackamas River Basin watershed. Our drinking water comes from the Clackamas River and our treated effluent, and untreated stormwater, drain into the Clackamas River. The Clackamas River is the drinking water source for over 300,000 people in the region so we take watershed protection seriously.
TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load)
The City updates it’s TMDL plan every 5 years. This plan helps us manage stormwater discharge and decrease contaminants. Our storm water system collects precipitation and run-off in a series of pipelines, open channels, catch basins, bio-swales, and streams. This water eventually flows into the Clackamas River.
There are many easy steps you can take to make sure that the water flowing into our creeks is as clean as possible.
- Never dump anything down a storm drain – trash, oil, or chemicals! If you have hazardous wastes to dispose of, visit DEQ’s page on HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE. Also keep leaves and debris from clogging storm drains.
- Decrease the amount of water running off your lawn or roof. There are a number of low-impact development strategies that can be put to work. Strategies include green roofs, rainwater harvesting, bioswales, pervious parking lots and driveways, and rain gardens.
- Avoid using water for cleaning streets, sidewalks, and driveways whenever possible. You can use a broom to sweep debris free instead.
- Wash your car at an eco car wash, or on your lawn. Avoid washing it in the driveway or in the street, where the soap suds flow directly into storm drains. Also take your car to the mechanic regularly, and have any fluid leaks repaired.
- Pick up after your pet! Urban areas boast populations of pets that are higher than what they would be in nature. All of that poop adds up, and having bacteria and fecal matter wash untreated into our creeks makes water unhealthy for humans and aquatic life.
- Don’t feed wildlife in urban parks. A single Canada goose is able to produce up to 2 pounds of poop per day! Feeding urban wildlife is also not healthy for them.
- Plant a filter strip! There are many attractive native trees and shrubs that can be used in your landscaping. Plants’ roots will slow down and clean water prior to entering storm drains and ditches.
You can find more resident resources on the Clackamas River Basin Council website here: https://clackamasriver.org/resident-resources/water-quality/what-you-can-do/
The City of Estacada’s TMDL Plan includes measures such as budgeting funds for I/I (infiltration and inflow), repair of the sewer lines and manholes every year, construction erosion control permits and requirements, updates to the stormwater system, and education for community members and businesses.
You can read the entire report and the measures which Estacada is taking to ensure the protection of our watershed here.
2023 TMDL Report