Monthly Tip: November

Give thanks for clean water – and get involved to keep stormwater pollution at bay

November brings Thanksgiving celebrations for Rhode Islanders and many throughout the nation. It’s a great time to remember how important clean water is and that each of us can help prevent the pollution of local waterways.



Currently, most Rhode Island towns are working to reduce the effects of polluted stormwater runoff, which is the water you see flowing down the street when it rains.

Polluted stormwater is almost never treated, and it can be responsible for closing swimming beaches and fishing grounds, threatening water resources, harming natural areas, and contributing to flooding! Fortunately, there are many ways that you can help.

Take action in your community:

• Organize a storm drain marking event.
• Help get a pet waste station installed at a local park.
• Organize a rain barrel sale.
• Call your municipality if you see a violation, such as someone dumping down a storm drain.

Taking action at home is even easier. It involves simple steps such as: don’t dump, wash, or rake anything down a storm drain; sweep spilled fertilizers, grass clippings, or soil off sidewalks and driveways and back onto the lawn; and where possible, divert rooftop runoff onto the lawn, rather than the driveway