This year’s Stormwater Awareness week is sure to make a splash.
Water is one of the world’s most valued resources, although we are quick to leave our waste behind (yard waste that is). Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District makes efforts to encourage community members to stack hands for this year’s fourth annual Stormwater Awareness Week.
What’s the Problem?
When storms roll through, rainwater flows toward drainage systems in Dublin. When these drainage lines are blocked by leaves it causes two outcomes. The first, erosion leads to water quality problems and loss of property as the bank slides, slumps or becomes undercut by high water. The other water quality problem with leaves being introduced into streams, either through the stormwater system from street drains or through dumping over streambanks, is the depletion of oxygen that can kill fish and other stream organisms. When organic matter decomposes in streams, bacteria use up the dissolved oxygen that is needed for aquatic organisms to live. Both of these issues lead to green, murky and unhealthy waterways.
This Year’s Initiatives
Organize Community or Neighborhood Clean-ups
Reach out to a few neighbors, friends in the City or neighborhood leaders about community clean ups. Head to a nearby park and pick up trash or go to a waterway and pick up debris.
Install Native Trees or Plants
Native plants promote biodiversity, are generally low maintenance and conserve natural resources. Native plants grow long robust root systems that filter water, improving our larger waterways from the source. A list of native trees and plants can be found here.
Clear Storm Drains of Debris like Leaves or Litter
Are leaves or litter built up in your storm drains on your street? Clear the way! Rainwater needs to flow easily through storm drains that start the journey to the nearest waterway. When leaves are built up, it allows for algae to grow and pollute the rainwater that passes through the drains. Both litter and leaves negatively affect the water quality.
Always Pick Up and Throw Away Pet Waste
During rain events, nitrogen and phosphorus in dog poop can contribute to algal growth in our waterways and also deplete oxygen for fish and other aquatic life. Commit to picking up your pet’s waste to promote healthier waterways!
Take the Stormwater Awareness Pledge
Take the pledge to advocate for stormwater awareness through Oct. 31! Within the pledge you can commit to make changes in how you will implement good stormwater practices. If you sign the pledge by Oct. 31, there is a chance to win a rain barrel, salt bucket kit or universal spill kit.
Educate Yourself and Your Family on Stormwater Awareness
Visit https://www.franklinswcd.org/stormwater-week to find further information on Stormwater Awareness Week. Walk through this webpage and the information provided by Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District with your family. Educate each other on how to improve our most valued resource.
Rake them Right!
The 2021 Leaf Collection will run from Oct. 11 through Dec. 17. On a bi-weekly basis, crews will pick up leaves that are raked curbside to the grassy area between the street and the sidewalk or to the curb. Don’t rake leaves into the street, when the rain comes they will flow into storm drains where they can cause algae and impact local water quality. Collections are based on a two-zone system, see the map to find out when crews are coming to your neighborhood.
How Can You Help?
Anyone can participate in Stormwater Awareness Week! Use the resources provided to make a plan and complete it! This week, document your efforts you make towards improving Dublin’s stormwater system. Share online to encourage others to join in! Use the hashtag #StormwaterAwareness. Start conversations with others about your plan and to share how important clean waterways are in Dublin. Make a commitment this week to be a better steward of our water resources! Stormwater awareness lasts year around. Make the change to keep Dublin greener today.
