Watch out for Aurora Cub Scouts and Leaders roaming the streets in downtown Aurora on May 14th with a glue tube in their hand and conservation on their mind. No it's not graffiti, this is part of the Tanners Creek Steering Committee's education campaign to remind all of us that water pollution begins with stormwater drains on the streets; something most people never think about. Volunteers will adhere plastic markers with an image of a fish and the message "No Dumping, Drains to River" on storm drains to help promote awareness that water and waste entering storm drains will outlet, unfiltered, into nearby waterbodies.

Everyone values clean water. But, a recent national Roper survey found that most of us still believe industry is the biggest source of pollution. In reality, according to EPA, more pollution comes from the combined effects of common daily actions that rain and snowmelt rinse from our streets or land.

In many of our communities, rainwater washes down streets and parking lots, driveways and sidewalks, roofs and yards, carrying water and everything it picks up into a storm drain. Before our community was built here, natural creeks and streams carried rainwater downstream. Now storm drains and a series of pipes collect that rainwater and deposit it directly into the nearby lake, stream, groundwater, wetland or river.

Stormwater is not cleaned before it empties into our waterways. This means that lawn care chemicals and grass clippings, litter and pet wastes, automotive products like used oil and antifreeze, plus other wastes are dumped, untreated, into our waterways. Pollution and harmful bacteria go straight into our local fish habitat, swimming areas or drinking water.
But there are things individuals can do to reduce this problem. Small changes in habits can make a big difference. Its simple! Dump nothing down the storm drain you wouldn't swim in or drink.

· Recycle your used oil and fix oil leaks
· Use less fertilizer on lawns (many people over fertilize)
· Avoid pesticides and herbicides
· Compost yard trimmings
· Sweep, don't hose the driveway & sidewalk
· Pick up pet wastes and dispose of it properly
· Wash your car on the lawn, not the driveway
· Don't litter

For more information about storm drain marking or to be involved in this project, call Kris Streb, Tanners Creek Watershed Coordinator, at 812-926-2406 ext. 107

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