A watershed is the area of land that drains to a river or stream. In a healthy watershed, trees and shrubs capture rainfall, and allow the water to soak into the earth. Streams are replenished by groundwater, not by stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is water that flows off of roads and agricultural lands that carry pollution and sediment that harms fish and people who enjoy the river.
- DocumentWhich watershed do I live in? (1.58 MB)
- How does the County manage stormwater from our roadways?
Multnomah County partners with many organizations to promote healthy rivers and streams:
- Follow the Water - connecting people to their waters through science and stories and the positive actions we can take
- The River Starts Here campaign - learn about river and stream events in your area and how you can protect them!
- Johnson Creek Watershed Council - learn about events around Johnson Creek
- East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District - helps landowners maintain their streamside property on the east side of the Willamette River
- West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District - helps landowners on the west side of the Willamette River
Fish need clean water.
There are many small streams found throughout Multnomah County. You might think they are just small ditches, but don’t be surprised, a variety of native fishes can be found in most streams. But many of our fish suffer because of water quality is low. The main concerns are high temperatures, pesticides, and sediment erosion. The removal of downed trees from streams also reduces important refuge areas for fish to hide.
Find out more!
- What kinds of fish do we find in our County streams?
- How does the County help reduce pollution in our streams?
- DocumentTips for Streamside Landowners (2.15 MB)
- Document
Fish need access to habitat.
Culverts under our roads and driveways weren’t always designed in the past to allow fish to swim up through them. Many block fish passage because they are too steep making the water flow too fast, or the jump into them is too high (> 9 inches).
What we're doing:
Find out more!
- Document