The City of Hillsboro Stormwater System is designed to collect, move, and treat stormwater runoff before it is released into local waterways.

Accidental spills of hazardous materials or illegal dumping pollutes the environment and waterways and violates of local, state, and federal laws.

See Something, Say Something

To report illegal dumping or pollution, call 503-681-6146 or  email us.

Illegal stormwater pollution includes:

• Dumping pollution directly into catch basins or local waterways 
• Leaving harmful pollutants and chemicals on the ground, which can flow into catch basins and eventually drain into local streams and the Tualatin River
• Accidental spills or leaks that are not properly cleaned up

Common Types of Harmful Pollutants

• Paint, paint thinner, solvents 
• Degreasing cleaning agents
• Soapy wash water
• Oil, gas, or other petroleum products
• Dirt, mud, or turbid water
• Cooking oil or grease
• Garbage
• Pet waste
• Fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides
• Concrete slurry
  

Impact 

Illegal dumping harms native plants and animals. Toxins from waste can leach into the surrounding environment, killing plants and destroying the food source of local animals. 

Keep Local Waterways Healthy

Did you know your garden hose, sprinklers, and even rain can wash chemicals and waste from your home, driveway, yard, and garden into a catch basin?

Follow these tips to help us keep our streams and rivers clean:

• Reduce the use of chemicals in your yard.
• Pick up after your pets and place pet waste into the garbage.
• Use phosphate-free and biodegradable cleansers to clean your car, home, and property.
• Rake leaves away to prevent catch basins from becoming clogged during storms.
• Pick trash up before it goes down the catch basin.
• Clean driveways and sidewalks with a broom or a leaf blower instead of a hose. 
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle in your grass.
• Always keep trash cans closed to prevent garbage from blowing away or mixing with rain or snowmelt. 

Stormwater Curb Markers

To remind residents and visitors that catch basins flow to local waterways, the City of Hillsboro Public Works Department is placing curb markers on catch basins across the City. 

The City of Hillsboro maintains over 7,800 catch basins, which are typically located next to the curb on the street. Catch basins serve as the low point to help collect and move stormwater runoff to local streams and the Tualatin River. 

Stormwater Facts

Only stormwater is allowed to go into the City’s Stormwater System. No other form of solid or liquid waste is approved to be disposed into any part of the system unless it’s been approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).