Outdoor washing basics

New brochure explains outdoor washing rules and why they matter

The City of Springfield’s Stormwater Team has a new brochure focused on one common source of river pollution: Outdoor washing.

Outdoor washing includes everyday activities at home or work, such as washing cars, pressure washing, and removing moss. These activities may seem harmless, but the runoff can affect local waterways if it is not managed correctly.

Outdoor washing tips

These four tips are the most important things to remember when washing outdoors. They protect the Willamette River, the McKenzie River, and neighborhood waterways that flow to them.

1. Use cold water
   Hot water can increase the release of pollutants and harm aquatic life.

2. Avoid soaps and detergents
   Soap on pavement flows directly to storm drains and waterways, even if the label says biodegradable.

3. Manage sediment, do not wash it away
   Dirt, moss, and grit should be swept up and disposed of properly, not rinsed into the street.

4. Stop chemical runoff
   Fuels, cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals must be kept out of stormwater.

Outdoor washing affects local waterways

Outdoor washing does not make dirt and grime disappear. Wash water can flow across pavement, into storm drains, and out to neighborhood waterways. From there, it reaches the McKenzie River, the Willamette River, and the creeks that flow to them.

In Springfield, storm drains flow directly to waterways. They do not go to a treatment plant. What goes down the drain goes to the river.

Why the rules matter

Water quality is protected by the federal Clean Water Act and by Springfield Municipal Code 4.372, which prohibits anything other than rain from entering the stormwater system. That includes dirty water from outdoor washing. Because runoff comes from many surfaces across the city, preventing river pollution starts on each property.

Find out more

The brochure is being mailed to Springfield Utility Board customers with their February bill. The Stormwater Team can also provide printed handouts at no cost to anyone who wants to share them with neighbors, customers, or community groups.

• Click to learn more about outdoor washing rules and best practices on the City’s Outdoor Washing webpage.
• Click to view or print the full Outdoor Washing brochure.

The brochure is produced by the City of Springfield’s Stormwater Team as part of ongoing work to protect local waterways and comply with state and federal water quality requirements.