COVID19 Public Health Information

OWENSVILLE, OH. (Oct. 16, 2020) — The Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District is urging county residents to “Be the Change for Clean Water” and take action during Stormwater Awareness Week, Oct. 18-24.

“Storm Water Awareness Week offers all of us the chance to learn about small actions we as individuals can take to help protect our streams and lakes, especially East Fork Lake which serves as a source of drinking water for about half the county,” said John McManus, administrator of the Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). While rainwater is great for lawns and gardens, pollutants picked-up by the runoff can be dangerous for streams and rivers.

Storm water can push common items – such as trash, lawn fertilizer, automotive fluids and more – into local waterways, threatening our environment and clean drinking water. During Storm Water Awareness Week, Clermont SWCD is urging residents to take one or more of the following actions:

• Use fertilizers sparingly if at all. Have your soil tested through the OSU Extension office to determine its needs. Check the weather report before applying fertilizer – avoid applications immediately before or during rains.
• Don’t dispose of grass clippings, leaves or other yard waste in or near ditches or storm sewers. These carry nutrients that drive harmful algal blooms in our lakes and rivers.
• Consider replacing part of your lawn with deep-rooted native shrubs or trees. This will increase the amount of water that can soak into the ground, and provide habitat for birds and butterflies.
• Avoid mowing to the edge of the stream and allow deep rooted trees and shrubs to grow. The root system will help hold soil in place and reduce streambank erosion.
• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste. Visit oeq.net or contact the Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) at 513-732-7894 for disposal options. If there are no local outlets, OEQ will provide county residents with vouchers to bring the materials to Environmental Enterprises in Hamilton County.
• Please pick up after your pet. Runoff can carry pet waste into streams and contaminates our drinking water.
• If you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained.

There is so much we can do to Be the Change for Clean Water in Ohio. Please take a moment during the week of Oct. 18-24 to share these tips with your family and co-workers so we can all make Clermont County a great place to live, work and play.

For more information on programs and resources for storm water education and conservation, visit www.clermontswcd.org.

###