There are many other things that you can do to help improve our water quality. These include small changes to daily habits, or even volunteering at difference events.

Other Volunteer Opportunties

Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River

i....is an annual clean up along the banks of the river. Each year, hundreds of local volunteers show up to help out for a few hours. This event actually takes place along the entire length of the Great Miami river, so there should be a location near you. To find out more about the event, how to volunteer, or even to just see some of the weird items found over the years, pelase visit the Clean Sweep website.

Storm Drain Labeling

Would you like to encourage others not to pollute the water? If so, possibly storm drain labeling would be right for you. Email Butler Soil and Water Conservation District to find out how to receive supplies to label the storm drains in your neighborhood. This is a fun activity for groups that can be carries out any time the weather cooperates. It can't be raining, freezing cold, or extremely hot. Therefore, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for perfect weather.

Simple Changes to Your Daily Routine

There are many simple things that we can do everyday that can help protect our water quality. Many of these practices are outdoors in our neighborhoods. When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains and then directly to the rivers and creeks untreated! Remember, a little litter here, and a little litter there, can add up to a large pollution problem. It all adds up. Here's some simple tips:

• Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our river. Please clean up after your pet.
• Vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze are the #1 surface water quality problems nationwide. Recycle used oil in a clean, sealed, plastic container. Autozone, Valvoline, and other instant service stations accept used oil. Some will also accept used antifreeze.
• SWEEP! Hosing off pavements washes pollutants into storm drains leading straight to the river.
• Go to a car wash or wash your car on the grass. Don't wash that grimy road dirt and chemical cleaners down the drive and into the storm drain.
• Choose water-based paints such as latex. Wash brushes in your sink with water. If you use paint thinner, resuse and recycle it. Solidified paint can be disposed of in your regular household trash. Don't pour paint or toxic materisl down the storm drain or a household drain.
• Deliver old paint, pesticides, solvents and batteries to a hazardous waste drop off. Contact Butler County Solid Waste District to find out how.
• Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not littering.
• Yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves can be composted and used for fertilizer around the yard. Contact Butler Soil and Water Conservation District for tips on composting. Never use streams or gutters to dispose of yard waste.
• Use herbicides and other lawn chemcials sparingly. Never double the dose! Remember you can only kill the dandelion once, its a waste of money and bad for the environment to use too much.
• If you have a septic system, have it pumped every 3 years to remove sludge and scum. Do not use tank additives, and make sure to practice water conservation to prevent overworking your system.