Hillsboro Water launched a five-step campaign Monday, Sept. 28, to protect the Upper Tualatin River, the city's primary drinking water source. Source Water Protection Week runs through Sunday, Oct. 4.

The city's announcement highlights actions ranging from wildfire prevention to washing recreation gear. Pollution from everyday activities like kitchen cleaning and car washing can reach local waterways, the city said, and keeping those waterways clean reduces treatment costs.

The river and its tributaries stretch nearly 80 miles from the Tillamook State Forest to where the Tualatin meets the Willamette near West Linn, according to the city's water supply page. Two reservoirs back up the supply when summer flows drop: Barney Reservoir, which holds 20,000 acre-feet at capacity with 14,886 acre-feet allocated for drinking water, and Scoggins Reservoir at Hagg Lake, which stores about 53,323 acre-feet with 13,500 acre-feet available for drinking water.

Here are the five actions the city is promoting:

Prevent wildfires. The city said wildfires cause short-term problems for surface water, including increased sediment, higher nutrient levels and greater treatment costs. Long-term effects include limited supply, debris buildup and harmful algal blooms. Residents should make sure campfires are fully out and cool before leaving.

Keep chemicals out of drains. Household chemicals, fats, oils, grease, paint and prescription medications should not go down the drain. The city pointed residents to local recycling programs and drug take-back events. Grease can be frozen for disposal instead of poured into sinks.

Volunteer with watershed groups. Three organizations offer volunteer and education opportunities: the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, the Tualatin River Watershed Council and the Tualatin Riverkeepers.

Fertilize carefully. Fall is the best time to fertilize lawns, the city said, but overfertilizing can trigger harmful algal blooms that affect the water supply and limit fishing, swimming and boating in local streams and lakes. The city recommends slow-release fertilizer labeled by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) or compost.

Wash recreation equipment. Invasive species can travel on boats, motors and other water gear. The city urged residents to wash and dry equipment after each use.

Clean Water Services, which manages stormwater for the Tualatin River watershed, has noted that nearly everything entering a storm drain flows into the watershed. Herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers add nutrients that fuel algae growth and harm stream life.

Source Water Protection Week runs through Oct. 4. Residents can find more information on the city's website or contact Hillsboro Water at 503-681-6100.