Stormwater Tips

October

Halloween will be here before you can say, “Boo!” So, as you prepare for that spooky, kooky holiday coming up, take a few minutes to incorporate these simple stormwater-friendly tricks and tips into your autumn activities.

 - Ban that bag!

When your little super heroes and princesses go trick-or-treating, be sure they use a reusable bag to collect their treats. Canvas bags and pillowcases are great alternatives to plastic or even paper bags, and they are much sturdier.

- Don’t be a trash monster!

Remind your little trick-or-treaters to never throw candy wrappers on the ground as they’ll flow into our creeks and rivers once the next rain event happens.

- Recycle costumes!

When photos last forever, and every Halloween requires a new look, A LOT of costumes end up getting worn once and discarded. Instead of tossing your costumes in the trash, or banishing them to a box in the basement, why not give them to charity, Trade with family and/or friends, or stuff ‘em and use them in your garden as scarecrows?

- Volunteer/Participate!

October 10: Rivers Cleanup: For more information please visit, https://www.valdostacity.com/event/valdosta-lowndes-love-your-river-clean-0.

November 14: Fall Electronic Recycling Day: For more information please visit, https://www.valdostacity.com/event/fall-electronics-recycling-event-1.

 Remember, only rain goes down the storm drain! For more information, contact the Stormwater Division at (229) 259-3530.

September

Nearly every community has a nearby waterway, whether a river, lake or creek. Unfortunately, these areas tend to be litter magnets. In fact, nearly 40% of US rivers have been declared too polluted for swimming, fishing or other recreational activities. Cleaning these waterways not only has environmental advantages but can improve community morale and beautification, while also inspiring other cleanup projects.

The City of Valdosta, Lowndes County and WWALS Watershed Coalition, Inc. is partnering to host this year’s River Cleanup Event on Saturday, October 10^th from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Every year, we depend on volunteers like you to help clean our community from the impacts of plastic, tires and trash. To help make a difference, you can sign up at www.cognitoforms.com/Valdosta1/RiverCleanUpVolunteerSignUp or contact Angela Bray at 229.259.3530.

What to bring:

• Boots, waders and/or shoes & clothes that can get wet or dirty
• Refillable water bottle
• Emergency phone number
• Bug spray, gloves, trash grabber, etc.

Remember, only rain goes down the storm drain!

August

 July

So what’s the big deal? Dog poop is a natural fertilizer, right? WRONG! The truth about dog poop is that it’s the equivalent of putting raw sewage on the sidewalk. When pet owners choose not to clean up after their dog, the health of our community, environment and particularly our children are put at risk.

 Fecal Facts & Figures

• Due to its high nutrient concentration, dog poop is toxic to your lawn and favorite trails.  Poop left on the ground causes burns and discoloration to grass and other vegetation.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies pet waste as a dangerous pollutant in the same category as toxic chemicals and oil.
• An average size dog dropping contains 3 billion fecal coliform bacteria.
• In addition to fecal coliform, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirms that dog poop can spread parasites including hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms and Salmonella.
• Every time it rains in Valdosta, un-scooped poop is washed into storm drains that flow directly into our local rivers and streams.
• Although poop may eventually “wash-away,” it does not disappear. The parasite eggs can linger in the grass and soil for up to 4 years! When a human or animal comes into contact with that soil through everyday activities like walking barefoot or gardening, they risk infection.

 SCOOP THE POOP: IT’S YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL DOODY (PUN INTENDED)!