50 Ways To Love Your River

More and more, people forget the impact they have every day on their rivers. Most clean water regulations focus on reducing pollution from big sources such as factories and sewage treatment plants. Although industry needs to be cleaned up further, it’s time we turned our attention to forestry, agriculture and the behavior of each resident of the watershed.

Rain, Rain, Where Do You Go?

Surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and rooftops prevent water from seeping in the ground. Instead they force it to flow along the surface, collecting dirt and contaminants, into storm drains under streets, which usually dump into rivers, pollution and all.

1. Minimize pavement everywhere you have any influence, such as at home, at work and in neighborhood parks.

2. Select porous products for your driveway, yard and landscaping. Porous asphalt is available, and bricks, stones and cinder blocks can let water seep into the ground around them.

3. Stabilize your soil. Make sure that bare dirt is not exposed during the wet season. Use plants for long term stabilization, and straw, mulch or plastic sheeting to temporarily protect exposed areas.

4. Disconnect the downspouts on your home’s rain gutters and direct the downspout into your yard rather than the sewer system.

5. Sweep patios and sidewalks rather than hosing them. Use Water Wisely

6. Water in the morning or evening rather than the middle of the day when water evaporates quickly.

7. Landscape with native plants instead of grass to reduce your yard’s water needs.

8. Run the washing machine or dishwasher only when you have a full load.

9. Take shorter showers.

10. Fix leaks promptly.

11. Install water saving devices such as low flow shower heads, on/off sink spigots and toilet dams.

12. Turn off the tap. Keep a pitcher of cool water in the fridge to avoid running the tap until it gets cold. Use a cup while you brush your teeth.

13. Support “conservation rates” (lower bills for less usage) in your community. Make Your Home Safe for the River

14. Reduce or eliminate pesticide use.

15. Be careful with fertilizers. This includes natural fertilizers like compost and manure. While they are not as toxic as pesticides, fertilizers can hurt fish and wildlife by overwhelming streams with unusually high nutrient count.

16. If you do use pesticides or fertilizers, use them only as directed. Using more only increases the amount washed downstream.

17. Start a compost pile.

18. Clean up animal waste.

19. Buy and use “environmentally friendly” products.

20. Only buy as much as you need.

21. If you do have leftovers of paint, pesticides or other chemicals, dispose of them safely.

22. If you have a septic system, treat it with care. Chemicals dumped down the drain interfere with the system’s ability to process waste. Also, septic systems must be pumped every 3-5 years.

23. Buy unbleached paper products. 2

4. Buy organic. How Do We Get From Here to There? 2

5. Keep your car in good condition and fix any leaks promptly.

26. If you change your own oil, make sure not to leak onto the ground; dispose of it safely.

27. If you wash your car at home, do it on the grass instead of the street so your grass and soil can filter contaminants from the runoff.

28. Get out of your car. Try to leave it at home at least one day a week. Keep on Boating

29. Keep boats in good running condition.

30. Consider upgrading to a four-stroke engine. Two-stroke engines are inefficient and cause excess pollution.

31. When fueling, be very careful to avoid spills.

32. Avoid transporting species. Clean plants and algae from the boat before moving it.

33. Use a holding tank for human waste and empty it at a designated facility.

34. Be a watchdog and do what you can to investigate or solve problems. Hands-On Projects

35. Plant a tree. They not only filter the air, but also stabilize the banks with their roots and provide habitat for fish and wildlife along rivers.

36. Go outside—alone or with a group—and get to know your section of the river. Can you walk it? Can you canoe it? Would you want to? Why not? What can you do to make it better?

37. Participate in, or organize, litter clean up and prevention.

38. If you live on a creek or river, plant native plants and shrubs.

39. Stencil warnings by storm drains.

40. Get to know your watershed council. Be An Advocate

41. Support environmental groups

42. Talk to your neighbors and their impact on water quality.

43. Teach your children well.

44. Write to your local newspaper.

45. Attend public hearings and city council meetings.

46. Volunteer for local advisory committees and task forces.

47. Let your national, state and local representatives know that you care.

48. Study your legislators’ voting records.

49. Become a citizen lobbyist.

50. VOTE!