Sometimes, we feel there's not a lot we can do to help keep our creeks, streams and rivers clean. Once pollutants are in the storm water system they are difficult to trap and remove - it is a costly process. Each of us can help by following these simple but effective measures. Disposing litter in appropriate places can make a difference. Below is a list of suggestions to reduce the amount of debris entering local stormwater drains and pipes.

• Clean up garbage and debris lying in gutters, ditches or storm drains.
• Help check for car-fluid leaks and alert your parents.
• Dispose of empty or partially empty household cleaning product containers properly.
• Take your car to a car wash or wash it on the lawn. Soap in storm drains leads to pollution in the rivers, streams or lakes
• Bin it securely: Make sure litter cannot blow or fall out of bins or recycling containers.
• Dog droppings that wash into storm water drains and waterways may impact water quality. Use a dog scoop bag or put the droppings in your garden
• Grass clippings and leaves: Help keep street gutters and drain entrances clear of leaves by starting a compost heap or using leaves as garden mulch. Debris can block drains and cause local flooding. Rotting organic matter can pollute waterways with excess nutrients.

Elk River | James River | Sac River | Spring River | North Fork Salt River

Missouri Department
of Natural Resources

Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN)
Send comments to: mowin1@missouri.edu
205 Agricultural Engineering
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-0085
Toll Free: (MO only): 1-877-H20-shed (426-7433)
Fax: (573) 884-5650

Page last updated August 26, 2008