Did you know that experts believe almost 70% of the pollution in our rivers and lakes is carried there by stormwater runoff? Yuck. Stormwater is also a leading cause of erosion and flooding. Not to mention the amount of money it takes to treat and clean water contaminated with sediment and pollution before it can be used for drinking water. Imagine a world without clean water? No running water in your household, no toilets, no shower, no coffee. No water for emergencies, for hospitals or firefighters. It's a scary thought.
This is why education and awareness about stormwater runoff is important for all residents. Stormwater awareness offers central Ohioans an opportunity to learn how they can take small actions to make a big impact right here in Franklin County and anyone can participate; residents, municipalities, townships, schools, watershed, or community groups, and more! Even though Stormwater Awareness Week has passed, we encourage communities and residents to engage in stormwater awareness year round!
So, how can you get involved?
- Attend or set-up a socially distanced community or neighborhood clean-up (litter, streams, stormwater ponds, etc)
- Clear storm-drains of leaf debris in your neighborhood
- Plant native trees & plants in your garden or with a local community group
- Install or DIY a rain barrel to catch stormwater runoff
- Build a rain garden on your property
- Attend an educational workshops or tours (residents/businesses/contractors)
- Check the weather report before applying fertilizer to your lawn or any oil or chemicals to driveways and sidewalks. This will protect the environment and your pocketbook.
- Make sure lawns have 3-4 inches of topsoil under the grass. This will reduce runoff, as well as make lawns easier to maintain.
- Always pick up and properly dispose of pet waste
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Businesses can participate too! Visit www.franklinswcd.org/water-quality-partner-program
There is so much we can do for clean water in Franklin County and Central Ohio. Your very own yard can make a measurable difference by improving water and air quality. Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. When rain falls on our roofs, streets, and parking lots in cities and their suburbs, the water cannot soak into the ground as it should. Stormwater drains through gutters, storm sewers, and other engineered collection systems and is discharged into nearby water bodies. Higher flows resulting from heavy rains can also cause erosion and flooding in urban streams, damaging habitat, property, and infrastructure.When rain falls in natural undeveloped areas, the water is absorbed and filtered by soil and plants so stormwater runoff is cleaner and less of a problem. In developed urban environments, the stormwater runoff carries trash, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants from the urban landscape. By implementing green infrastructure practices, residents can all be a part of the solution to urban stormwater pollution. Consider one of the options below for your own property or talk to your local community about including these in new developments!
