Stormwater Quality
RELATED LINKS
Visit the Society for Conservation Biology web site for more information.
You may have seen a fish or frog painted beside a storm drain recently. They are there to remind you that what goes down the storm drain goes directly into Kingston's streams, lakes and wetlands — home to fish, frogs and other wildlife sensitive to pollutants like soap, fertilizer, oil, paint and animal waste.
Students from local schools and the Society for Conservation Biology want you to think about fish and frogs — and be careful with pollutants that could send their lives down the drain.
DID YOU KNOW?
- All of Kingston's drinking water comes directly from Lake Ontario.
- Kingston is particularly sensitive due to numerous surrounding wetlands.
- Juvenile fish and frogs are especially vulnerable to storm water pollutants.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Pick up after your pet. This prevents harmful bacteria from polluting storm water.
- Plant flowers and trees on your lawn to prevent runoff.
- Dispose of household hazardous waste including motor oil and paint thinners at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre.
- Use biodegradable soap as well as a sponge and bucket while washing your car.
- Do not use pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. Weed by hand.
- Sweep soil and vegetation away from pavement and storm drains to reduce silt from entering rivers and streams.
- Use rain barrels to collect storm water and to help water your lawn and garden.
