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When it rains, water washes over roofs, streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and land surfaces.  Along the way, it can pick up a variety of pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, metals, chemicals, and soil.  This polluted stormwater drains into the storm system that eventually discharges into our rivers and streams.  The pollutants can endanger the water quality of our waterways, making them unhealthy for people, fish, and wildlife.

Portland receives an average of 37 inches of precipitation annually, creating about 10 billion gallons of stormwater runoff per year. The volume and speed of the runoff can cause flooding and erosion, destroy natural habitat, and contribute to
combined sewer overflows (CSOs) .

The federal Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Endangered Species Act direct the City to improve stormwater quality and protect watersheds, rivers, streams and drinking water resources. The Bureau of Environmental Services coordinates the citywide response to the federal
stormwater permit that requires the City to reduce stormwater pollution, and oversees other programs that respond to water quality requirements.

The City finances stormwater management services primarily through
public utility fees imposed on developed property. Additional revenue comes from system development charges (SDCs) on new development.

The City spends a significant amount of time and resources on a variety of
programs and public involvement initiatives that work with citizens, businesses, and property owners to increase public awareness of stormwater issues and promote private stormwater management efforts.

  Source:  www.portlandonline.com



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RELATED LINKS:

Water Conservation
Toxic Soap Waterways


RESPONDING TO FLOODS
Although major storms and hurricanes can result in flooding; in the Great Northwest we also know that a strong snow pack during the winter can result in flooding when the temperatures start to rise rapidly. Remember? Here are some practical ways in which you can protect your drinking water: (these are also in many languages)

What to Do after a flood?
Septic Systems What to Do after the Flood
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water
Water Issues after Katrina
Hand Hygiene in Emergency Situations