AUSTIN (KXAN) — In honor of National Water Quality Month, Austin’s Watershed Protection Department shared tips on how the public can help keep Austin’s waterways healthy.
Ways the public can help include:
- Report water pollution – Reporting harmful spills like oil, grease, paint, or other chemicals near a creek or storm drain to Austin 3-1-1 as soon as possible.
- Volunteer for clean-ups – Volunteer to help clean up lakes or creeks in the Austin area. According to the city, 11 tons of trash are removed from Lady Bird Lake each year.
- Pick up after pets – The city said you should always pick up after your pet uses the restroom, even in your own yard. When pet waste washes into creeks, it can lead to algae overgrowth, harm wildlife and make water unsafe for recreation.
- Grow Green – Practice sustainable landscaping through Austin’s Grow Green program. The program teaches the public about native, adapted plants, rain gardens, eco-friendly pest control and more.
- Adopt or mark a storm drain – Help the city by adopting or marking a storm drain to help keep leaves and other forms of trash from polluting waterways.
According to the press release, the public can also help the Austin Watershed Protection Department by participating in its Rain to River survey by Sept. 15. The survey will be used to guide the department’s work for the next decade.
To learn more about how you can keep Austin’s waterways healthy and safe, visit the department’s website.