Nutrients and bacteria are
good - up to a point. But too many can be deadly. They've been killing
our rivers and waterways for years. And as our watershed goes, so goes
the planet. Factories aren't the only potential culprits - every private
home can be a polluter. Added together, they become a significant source
of what's killing our waterways.
River Star Homes
Give
Back by Holding
Back
The good news: Your river can heal
itself...if
we just leave it alone. You're already helping by understanding the
impact everyday activities can have. Now, take the next
step. It's easy! Join other Hampton Roads residents in making
small changes that add up to a big difference. You'll help your river,
and if you join
the River Star Homes program, you'll earn a beautiful yard flag
that announces your participation in this very important goal of a
cleaner Elizabeth.
Even if you're not ready to be a River Star Home, you can help by doing
the following:
7 Easy
Start-up Steps
- "SCOOP THE POOP"
after your dog. When pet wastes washes into the river, bacteria
levels make swimming unsafe. Learn more...
- REDUCE FERTILIZERS on our lawns.
Over fertilized lawns lead to algae
blooms that choke river life.
Learn
more...
- PROTECT STORM DRAINS from grass
clippings, leaves and oil. Storm
drains lead to the river. Even leaves add excess nutrients that harm
river life. Learn more...
- NO GREASE IN SINKS. Pouring grease down the kitchen sink
can cause clogged drains, leading to sewer overflows - and raw
sewage in the river. Learn more...
- HELP GEESE MIGRATE by not feeding them. Overpopulations of geese
mean too much poop in the river - and unsafe swimming.
Learn more...
- PUMP OUT boat sewage at proper facilites. When boats dump
directly into the river, it adds to unswimmable conditions.
Learn
more...
- DON'T FLUSH MEDICINES. Treatment facilities can't remove
medicines from sewage. Keep them out of the river by following safe
disposal methods. Learn more...
Ready for more?
Use the links at right to discover what else
you can do to make a difference!
