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Education and Outreach
When it rains, stormwater runs off roofs, streets, and parking lots, picking up pollutants along the way — oil, trash, pesticides, pet waste, and more. Unlike the water that goes down your sink or toilet, stormwater is not treated. It flows directly into local creeks, rivers, lakes, and oceans through storm drains, often carrying harmful pollutants with it.
This has serious consequences for our environment, our health, and the wildlife that depend on clean water. That’s why what you do every day matters.
Our goal is to inform, engage, and empower you to be part of the solution. Explore our resources, learn how stormwater works, and discover simple ways to protect your local waters — because stormwater matters.
Helpful stormwater links, resources, and ideas!
Looking for a fun and educational activity for kids to enjoy this winter when it is dreary outside? Pick up our FREE bilingual stormwater coloring book—available online or in person at City Hall, the Library, and LORAC! Participate and get a free sticker!
As leaves fall, storm drains can get blocked by debris, leading to localized flooding. These drains are vital for keeping streets and sidewalks clear of excess rainwater as well as maintaining stormwater quality standards. Simply clearing leaves and debris from the surface of catch basins near your property with a broom or rake can keep the drainage system functioning well.
The City has a limited number of free drop boxes available to support neighborhood clean-up events through a contract agreement with Republic Services. Neighborhoods can apply for a free drop box to help collect neighborhood leaves.
Many pet owners don’t realize that dog waste isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a serious environmental pollutant. When left on the ground, especially in urban or suburban areas, dog waste doesn’t just disappear. It gets washed away by rain and irrigation into storm drains and local waterways, creating a chain of problems for ecosystems, public health, and water quality. Join Canines for Clean Water and take the pledge to keep our waterways clear of pet waste!
Helpful stormwater links, resources, and ideas!
When it comes to draining your pool, hot tub, or other water features, proper disposal is essential to protect our environment. Never drain pool or hot tub water into storm drains catch basins, the road, your neighbor, or directly out to another body of water. Stormwater catch basins lead directly to local streams like Springbrook and Nettle Creek, where chlorine, bromine, and copper can seriously harm aquatic life. Instead, water should be drained into the sanitary sewer, the system designed to treat and manage chemical-laden water safely.
Did you know that anything goes down a storm drain can end up in our local rivers, streams, and even the ocean? Our Storm Drain Marking Program helps raise awareness in the community by placing bright, visible markers on storm drains. These markers serve as reminders that only rain should go down the drain, preventing harmful pollutants from entering our water systems.
Clean Water - It's Our Future
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