LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Nov. 16 Stormwater Awareness Day, and the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is using the day to remind residents how rain and melting snow affect local water quality.
Stormwater picks up whatever it meets on the ground — from trash and lawn chemicals to oil leaks and pet waste. This water gets carried straight into rivers, creeks and ditches. The district says water quality in the Ottawa River has improved in recent years, but ongoing awareness is key. Residents are encouraged to pick up pet waste, maintain vehicles to prevent oil or gas leaks, and never dump anything down a storm drain.
Farmers are also urged to follow application guidelines and check weather conditions before applying fertilizer. One of the biggest concerns in Allen County continues to be E. coli contamination, which can wash into waterways.
“E. coli gets picked up from waste, from animals — that can be your pets, that can be anything — and critters that live along the rivers, and E. coli can make you really sick. Something you can do to help prevent E. coli from getting in the river is cleaning up your pet waste so it’s not washing off with that stormwater back into the river,” said Lydia Archambo, stormwater coordinator for the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District.
The district wants to remind people that simple steps can help keep local streams safe for people and wildlife.
