Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
What is a TMDL?
When water quality standards are not met, the Clean Water Act requires the establishment of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL acts as a water quality restoration plan for waterways impacted by pollution and habitat degradation. Falls City is working to implement TMDLs to restore and protect water quality in local rivers and streams, ensuring the health and water quality of the Willamette River and local waterways.
In the Willamette Basin, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has established TMDLs for pollutants like mercury, bacteria, and temperature, which are significant threats to water quality:
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Mercury: This toxic metal accumulates in fish, posing risks to wildlife and humans who consume them. It primarily comes from industrial activities and atmospheric deposition when soils are disturbed or eroded.
Informational Mercury Flyer Ø Mercury In Water Flyer -
Bacteria: Fecal bacteria from stormwater runoff, wastewater, and agriculture can make water unsafe for recreation and drinking, while also harming aquatic life.
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Temperature: The loss of shade and streamside vegetation raises water temperatures, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic organisms.
The TMDLs aim to reduce these pollutants to safe levels that support healthy ecosystems and provide safe water for communities in the Willamette Basin. Falls City is striving to meet water quality standards and is collaborating with DEQ to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the Willamette River.
TMDL Plan
Falls City Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plan (2024)​
TMDL 5 Year Evaluation Report 2018-2022
General Public, Homeowners, and Landscapers
Building Informational Brochure
Native Plants for Landscaping and Fertilizers & Pesticides
Native Plants & Fertilizer Information​
NCAP: Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides​
Native Plant Society of Oregon: NPSO - Home page (npsoregon.org)​
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Get Involved! Local Community Resources
Polk Soil and Water Conservation District
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
Native Plant Society of Oregon
OSU Extension http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening
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Learn more about water quality
EPA Oregon Water Quality Standards Regulations
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Educational resources here:
Learning Adventures at Home or at School - Environmental Education Resources
https://pacd.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ColoringBook1.pdf
Falls City Water
Why Water Quality Matters in Falls City
The Little Luckiamute River is part of the river system that connects to the Willamette River. The community members of Falls City are closely tied to the health of our waterways. The Luckiamute system benefits our community in many ways such as supporting wildlife and offering recreational opportunities like fishing or swimming. However,
pollution from runoff
threatens the ecosystem,
by impacting water quality
and wildlife. Understanding
our impact and changing
behavior, can help preserve
the river as a vital resource
for future generations and
preserve the beauty that
makes Falls City a special
place to live.
What affects water quality?
Several factors can harm the water quality in our local rivers, including bacteria, mercury, temperature, debris, and stormwater runoff.
Stream Temperature Information
Bacteria from fertilizers, manure, water fowl, and pet waste pose risks to both human and aquatic health. Mercury, which accumulates in soils and is released into waterways when disturbed, creates a toxic hazard for fish, wildlife, and humans who consume contaminated fish. Temperature, often overlooked as a pollutant, rises when shade is lost, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. Debris, including litter, plastics, and microplastics from everyday activities, pollutes our rivers, while stormwater runoff collects oil, chemicals, and trash from streets and yards, further degrading water quality.
By understanding these threats, we can all take simple actions—reducing waste, preventing runoff, and supporting conservation efforts—to protect the health of the Luckiamute and Willamette River.​
2024 Water Quality - CCR
2023 Water Quality - CCR
2022 Water Quality -CCR
2021 Water Quality-CCR
2020 Water Quality-CCR
​2019 Water Quality- CCR
2018 Water Quality- CCR
2017 Water Quality- CCR
2016 Water Quality- CCR
2015 Water Quality- CCR
2014 Water Quality- CCR
2013 Water Quality- CCR
2012 Water Quality- CCR
Falls City recently completed a water line material survey of all our drinking water service lines checking for lead. We found there were no water pipes containing lead. A certified contractor performed this inspection of every water service while installing new water meters. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us for more information.
Inventory Report
Water Quality
Falls City is required annually to conduct a water quality test to ensure the purity of our drinking water. The test itself incorporates samples from all over town to ensure the broad testing that takes place to ensure the best drinking water for Falls City.
Stormwater Information
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater refers to rainwater or melted snow that flows over the ground, often accumulating pollutants as it travels. Instead of soaking into the ground, stormwater typically flows into drains and then into local creeks and rivers, which can lead to flooding and water quality issues. Proper stormwater management helps reduce these risks by controlling runoff and preventing pollution.
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Stormwater Flyer
How YOU can help
Here are some simple actions you can take to help protect the streams, rivers, and the overall health of the Willamette Basin:
Inside Your Home:
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Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of household chemicals, medicines, oils, and other pollutants properly. Never pour these down drains or gutters, as they can end up in the water system. Many pharmacies have ‘Drug Take Back’ programs.
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Reduce Plastic Use: Be mindful of single-use plastics and trash that can end up in our waterways. Recycle and properly dispose of litter to help prevent debris from polluting our rivers.
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Recycle older fluorescent tubes and lights: These products may contain mercury.
Outside Your Home:
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Washing Cars: Wash your car at a car wash, on your lawn, or on gravel to help filter water through the soil instead of sending it directly to storm drains, where it can pollute local creeks and rivers.
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Pick Up After Pets: Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and nutrients that can wash into the water when it rains. Always clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly.
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Keep a Spill Kit Handy: A spill kit can help prevent harmful substances like paint or pesticides from contaminating the environment. Store cleaning supplies and oils safely, and be prepared to clean up any spills immediately. Contact the public works department if kit is needed.
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Don’t Dump in Storm Drains: Storm drains lead directly to our streams and rivers without treatment. Only rain should go down these drains.
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Use Fertilizers and Pesticides Responsibly: Excess fertilizers and pesticides can wash into storm drains during rainfall, polluting local streams with harmful chemicals. Use these products sparingly, and consider organic alternatives to help protect water quality.
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Avoid Disrupting Soil Near Water: Disturbing soil near waterways can wash these contaminants like mercury or fertilizer into the water.
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Reduce Stormwater Runoff: Create rain gardens, use permeable paving materials, and plant native vegetation to absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
• Support Streamside Vegetation: Plant native trees
and shrubs along the banks to provide shade,
stabilize the soil, and reduce water temperature.
These riparian buffers help keep water cool and
healthy for fish and other aquatic life.​