Welcome to the winter edition of One Water, where we bring together some insights on stormwater management, wastewater, conservation, stewardship, and future planning. As the seasons change, so do the challenges and opportunities in our water systems. Dive in to discover how we can all play a part in protecting and preserving our most vital resource—water.

Winter tips: A homeowner's guide 

Winter weather can bring challenges for managing water runoff. Properly handling runoff is essential to prevent property damage, erosion, and environmental pollution. With a little preparation, you can protect your home and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. 

To start, ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, potentially leading to ice dams or water pooling near your home’s foundation. Extend downspouts to direct water at least six feet away from your house to prevent seepage into basements or crawl spaces. 

In addition to home maintenance, take steps to reduce runoff pollution. Use permeable materials like gravel or pavers for driveways and walkways, which allow water to seep into the ground. Plant native vegetation to help absorb excess water and filter contaminants. By taking these measures, you’ll not only protect your property but also support local waterways by minimizing the impact of runoff on rivers, streams, and lakes. 

Eco-friendly snow and ice management 

Winter’s snow and ice can be challenging to manage, but conventional methods like salt and chemical deicers often harm the environment. These substances can contaminate soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways while posing risks to plants and wildlife. Adopting eco-friendly snow and ice management practices ensures safety and environmental health throughout the colder months. 

One simple alternative is to use sand or gravel to improve traction on icy surfaces without harming the environment. These materials don’t melt ice but provide a safer walking and driving surface. For deicing, consider products labeled as pet- and eco-safe, which often use magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate instead of harsh chemicals like sodium chloride. 

Preventive measures can also reduce the need for de-icers. Shovel promptly after snowfall to keep ice from forming and invest in snow-melting mats for key areas like walkways. To further protect the environment, minimize the use of any product, applying it sparingly and only where needed. With these strategies, you can effectively manage snow and ice while preserving the beauty and health of your surroundings. 

Auto maintenance 

Maintaining your vehicle during winter is not just about ensuring safe driving conditions, it also plays a critical role in protecting water quality. As snow and ice melts, they carry pollutants from vehicles, such as oil, antifreeze, and road salt, into storm drains. These drains often lead directly to local waterways, affecting aquatic ecosystems. A little attention to your car can help reduce its environmental footprint while keeping it in top condition. 

Start by addressing leaks and fluid levels. Regularly inspect your car for oil, antifreeze, or transmission fluid leaks, especially during winter when freezing temperatures can exacerbate wear and tear. Fixing leaks promptly not only prevents mechanical issues but also keeps harmful substances out of stormwater. Additionally, be mindful when topping off or changing fluids—always dispose of used vehicle fluids at HazoHouse or at a used oil collection site.  

By maintaining your car responsibly this winter, you can enhance its performance and contribute to cleaner, healthier stormwater systems in your community. 

Protecting pipes and managing irrigation in winter

Winter’s freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to your home’s plumbing and irrigation systems. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, potentially causing bursts that lead to costly repairs and water waste. Similarly, outdoor irrigation systems can suffer damage if not properly winterized. A few simple steps can safeguard your home and landscaping investments during the colder months. 

To prevent frozen pipes, insulate any exposed piping in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Keep your home’s temperature consistent, even when you’re away, and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. On especially cold nights, let a trickle of water flow through faucets to relieve pressure and keep pipes from freezing. If a pipe does freeze, shut off the water supply immediately and use gentle heat, such as a hairdryer, to thaw it, never an open flame. 

For irrigation systems, drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and expansion that could damage lines and sprinkler heads. Turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots and consider installing insulated covers for added protection. If you have a professional irrigation system, consult your service provider about winterizing it thoroughly. Taking these precautions ensures your home and yard are protected from winter’s challenges, saving you time, money, and water. 

Protect your pipes: Managing fats, oils, and grease in winter 

The holiday season often brings hearty meals, but the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) generated in the kitchen can cause significant plumbing and environmental problems if not handled properly. In winter, the risks are even higher, as colder temperatures cause FOG to solidify more quickly, leading to clogged pipes and sewer backups. A few mindful practices can help keep your home’s plumbing and local waterways safe this season. 

Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain, as they can stick to the insides of pipes, creating blockages that are difficult and expensive to clear. Instead, let FOG cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of it in the trash. For small amounts, wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing. If you use a garbage disposal, remember that it does not prevent grease-related clogs. 

In addition to protecting your pipes, responsible FOG management benefits your community by reducing stress on municipal sewer systems and preventing pollution. When grease enters the sewer, it can combine with other debris to form massive blockages, sometimes called "fatbergs," which are costly to remove. By keeping FOG out of your drains, you’re contributing to cleaner, more efficient wastewater systems and a healthier environment for everyone. 

Warm up this winter with Energize Thurston 

All-electric heat pumps are a great way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, all while producing less planet-warming pollution. Starting in March 2025, residents of Tumwater will be able to receive subsidized installations or discounts to replace their home heating systems with new all-electric heat pumps. 

• If your household income is 79% or less of area median income, you may qualify for a fully subsidized new heating system and hot water heater. 
• If your household income is 80-120% of area median income, you may qualify for a substantially subsidized new heating system and hot water heater. 
• If your income is above 120% of area median income, you can utilize group purchase discounts to save money on new heat pump home heating systems and hot water heaters. 

All Thurston County residents have access to useful information on home electrification at wa.switchison.org where they can find information about all the discounts and incentives available that can help make this planet-friendly switch more affordable. 

This program is part of the work of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative. 

The funding for this program is provided from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Learn more about the CCA.  

Apply for this program at Energize Thurston Campaign - Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative (thurstonclimatecollaborative.org). 

Winter brings many tasks for our stormwater crews 

During the winter months, municipal stormwater crews play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and our waterways clean. Their work ensures that seasonal rain and melting snow and ice, are effectively managed to prevent flooding, maintain water quality, and protect infrastructure. While their efforts often go unnoticed, these dedicated teams are essential to a well-functioning community. 

One of the stormwater crew's key winter activities is ensuring that storm drains and culverts remain clear of debris. Leaves, ice, and trash can block these systems, leading to localized flooding when there are heavy rains or melting snow. Crews regularly inspect and clean these areas, often in challenging weather conditions, to keep water flowing smoothly. They also apply sand or eco-friendly deicers around stormwater inlets to reduce ice buildup without harming the environment. 

Another vital task is inspecting and maintaining retention basins, ponds, and other stormwater facilities. These areas help manage runoff and filter pollutants, but they require upkeep to function properly. Crews may remove sediment buildup, repair erosion, or monitor water levels to ensure these systems are ready to handle winter’s demands. By understanding the essential work stormwater crews perform, we can better appreciate their efforts to protect both our community and the environment during the harshest months of the year. If you get a chance please show your appreciation, give them a wave and slow down, create space when driving by safety is paramount. 

On behalf of the water resources & sustainability team and the hard-working maintenance and operations crews, we want to wish our community members and those that visit us a very happy holiday!