We All Live Downstream (WALD)

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Stormwater Runoff or "non-point source pollution"Water – A Vital Natural Resource. Our quality of life and health is greatly dependent upon the quality of our water. Fish and other wildlife also rely on the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Activities in our homes, yards and communities have an effect on the quality of our water supplies. By learning about this connection, we can protect our waterways through prevention of non-point source pollution caused when storm water picks up contaminants as it flows through a watershed. Click illustration for larger image.

What You Can Do To Prevent Water Pollution - Simple steps are featured below including: proper disposal of household hazerdous waste, yard waste (including pet waste), and cooking grease; making simple lawn care choices; reducing stormwater runoff; maintaining cars & driveways properly; & don't litter, volunteer for clean-ups & other events. Closely related topics are highlighed in the rotator.

Report Potentially Hazardous Spills or Dumping

If you see a potentially hazardous material flowing to a storm sewer, ditch or waterway, immediately call 614-645-STREAM (7873) and the Ohio EPA at 1-800-282-9378.

Our Commitment to Water Quality

Columbus provides a variety of services to protect both surface & drinking water quality. We work with communities upstream to help reduce the impact of agricultural activities. In our own community, we partner with landowners adjacent to our reservoirs and monitor construction sites to limit sedimentation that can impact local waterways. We also protect the quality of life downstream by discharging clean water from our wastewater treatment plants.   

Water Reservoir Neighbors

Property owners along water reservoirs have a special responsibility to protect our drinking water supply. Good land management practices can have positive impact on water quality, beautify the landscape and provide a nearly maintenance-free environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Watershed Management

Questions & answers about reservoirs, watershed management, land stewardship, dock permits and boating. Definition & illustration of a watershed; lists our 3 watersheds & more. 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in protecting our natural resources, get involved in our public education programs. You, your community or school group can participate in stream-bank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & many other activities that promote awareness & appreciation of our natural waterways.

Small Business & Restaurant Requirements

Businesses & restaurants play an important role in preventing water pollution & sewer blockages. Proper disposal of fats, oils and grease is required to help prevent sewer blockage, back-ups & overflows. To comply with regulations on stormwater & sanitary sewer discharges, businesses, restaurants, managers & employees should practice...  

Storm Drain Marker Program

Summer & fall offer perfect weather for this volunteer opportunity to raise awareness that dumping waste into storm drains contributes to water pollution & endangers wildlife. Decals, adhesive & instruction is provided for volunteers to apply on curbs near storm drain inlets - perfect for individuals or groups.


Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly

Household hazardous wastes are materials used in the home that can cause injury or are harmful if disposed of improperly. Never dump these items into a storm drain, open waterway or ditch. Learn how to dispose of such items properly - there are many free drop-off locations.


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Make Simple Lawn Care Choices

Choose native plants, spot treat problem areas, or better yet, consider less toxic alternatives such as beneficial insects. Use the mulching feature on your lawn mower instead of bagging the clippings, or better yet, create your own compost from your yard waste. Learn more about proper yard waste disposal.


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Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Pave less and landscape more, or pave with pervious surfaces. Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater; plant a rain garden, trees & shrubs. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation and don't over-water. Aim sprinklers away from paved surfaces - they don't need watered. 


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Make Smart Choices Maintaining Cars & Driveways

Simple steps can prevent many common pollutants from washing off your driveway into the curb and down storm drains that lead (untreated) into rivers.


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Do Not Pour Kitchen Grease Down the Drain

Do not pour cooking oils & grease down the drain after preparing meals. Fats, oils & grease (FOG) can clog sewers, resulting in basement backups and costly repairs.


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Don't Litter, Volunteer for Clean-Ups & Other Events

Trash left along roadways, ditches and stream banks washes into our waterways through rain and melting snow. Not only is littering illegal, it is an eyesore, can endanger wildlife, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, can block strom drains and cause flooding. 


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Dispose of Yard Waste Properly, Including Pet Waste

Waste must be properly prepared and placed for collection. Leaves swept into the curb will not be collected in Columbus. Dumping yard waste into storm drains or waterways adds excess nutrients to the water, can clog drains & contribute to flooding. Better yet, compost & mulch yard waste.


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Project Clean Rivers

The We All Live Downstream (WALD) public education program is part of DOSD's Project Clean Rivers initiative. The entire community, future generations, aquatic and all wildlife benefit from Project Clean Rivers. For more information on the WALD program, email us: DOSD@columbus.gov.

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Storm Drain Marker Program

Storm Drain Marker

This volunteer program provides decals, adhesive & instruction to apply on curbs near storm drain inlets to raise awareness that dumping waste contributes to water pollution & endangers wildlife.


Take a Tour

Watershed Signage

Signage installed at Griggs, O'Shaughnessy & Hoover Reservoirs invites park visitors to take a self-guided tour along the shoreline & learn about the green infrastructure installed there.

Rain gardens, pourous pavement & more can improve the quality of storm water entering the reservoirs that supply our drinking water.