Pressure Washing and Surface Cleaning

What's the problem?

Although convenient for cleaning surfaces and equipment, pressure washing can send dirty runoff containing oil, soap, chemicals, metals, and sediment into the storm drain system. Most storm drains have zero to minimal treatment and drain directly toward the surface water and groundwater we all need to protect.

Here’s how our waters are being negatively impacted:

  • Sediment clouds the water, hinders aquatic plant growth, and clogs fish gills.
  • Even biodegradable soaps rob water of life-giving oxygen.
  • Household hazardous wastes, like pesticides, paints, solvents, and auto fluids that collect on driveways and other outside surfaces can poison aquatic life. Animals and people can become sick or die after consuming polluted water or fish.
  • Ingestion of pre-1978 paint flakes containing lead can be a concern as it can result in intellectual disabilities in children.
  • Avoid using hot water and chemicals as that type of wastewater has a greater negative environmental effect.

Do not allow dirty wash water to enter the stormwater system.

What can you do?

Sweeping the street

1.
Use dry cleanup methods first (sweep, blow, vacuum). Dispose of debris in the trash.

Soak up fluids with cat litter

2.
Soak up oil and fluids using absorbents (cat litter, sawdust, sand) and dry-cleanup methods before washing. This, too, goes in the trash.

Wash debris towards landscape

3.
Direct dirty runoff into a lawn or landscaped area away from the storm drain system.

(If wash water cannot be directed to landscaped areas, collect for disposal to the sanitary sewer via a clean out, toilet, or sink.)

Follow EPA guidelines for paint

4.
Follow EPA lead paint guidelines if pre-1978 era paint is involved.

Tips for using your pressure washer

Our Partner

Oregon Association of Cleanwater Agencies Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to partner with The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA) to protect and enhance Oregon’s water quality. ACWA developed the information (provided above) in collaboration with groundwater, stormwater and education experts dedicated to practical and proactive water resources protection.

Phone:503-742-4567
Fax:503-742-4565

150 Beavercreek Road #430, Oregon City, OR 97045

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Closed on the lunch hour 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Email:
Customer service
wescustomerservice@clackamas.us

Development services and permits
wes-permitservices@clackamas.us

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