Be the Solution to Stormwater Pollution
Did you know that water that runs off our driveways, roads, roofs, car parks, footpaths and gardens travels via our stormwater system to our local creeks and waterways?
By working together and pledging to make small changes in our everyday lives, we can improve the quality of water that ends up in our beautiful waterways. You can show your support and pledge to make a difference by taking the Be the Solution to Stormwater Pollution pledge.
The commitments and how they can help
Garden
- Sweep up leaves and grass clippings and place in the green bin – rather than washing them into kerbside drains which cause local flooding and add unwanted nutrients to our waterways.
- Limit fertiliser and pesticide use – which can wash away, contribute to toxic blue-green algae blooms and encourage aquatic weed growth.
- Wash your car on the lawn or at a designated car wash station – rather than on the footpath or driveway where the water can run off into the stormwater and our waterways.
- Keep your soil, sediment and mulch on site – through erosion and sediment controls that prevent materials washing away and entering our waterways.
- Plant native plants and retain trees and other vegetation – natives require less watering and fertiliser, slow run off and have roots that bind the soil.
- Minimise the amount of hard surfaces – surfaces like pavers and concrete stop water being absorbed into the soil and cause it to runoff to our local waterways.
Home
- Refuse and reduce single use items – such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws and takeaway packaging.
- Put rubbish in the bin – And keep it secure to avoid waste falling out during collection. Don’t forget to cut hair ties, face mask loops and plastic rings so that they don’t have the potential to entangle wildlife.
- Safely dispose of household chemicals – by participating in our free Household Chemical Cleanout days or visiting the nearest Community Recycling Centre.
- Install a rainwater tank – to capture and reuse stormwater in your home and garden. Don’t forget to maintain it!
Neighbourhood
- Be a responsible pet owner – dog droppings are a big contributor to poor water quality. Bag and bin them to protect our waterways.
- Don’t be a tosser – put your rubbish, including cigarette butts, in the bin so that it can be correctly disposed of and doesn’t blow or wash into our waterways.
- Report illegal dumping and building sites that don’t have sediment controls – by notifying Council.
- Dispose of fishing lines and hooks – to prevent entanglement of wildlife.
- Don’t feed the wildlife – to prevent damage to wildlife health and maintain the water quality of your local waterway.