ACTIVITIES

   Bright white signs reading "Dump No Waste, Drains To River" and showing the outline of a fish are being spray-painted at all the storm drains in Decatur's streets this year to remind the public that "storm water pollution begins with that drain on the street."

The Decatur Storm Water Department, is working to paint hundreds of storm drain signs on the 55 to 60 miles of streets in Decatur in an educational campaign for the public.

Everyone values clean water, but a recent national survey found that most of us still believe industry is the biggest source of pollution. In reality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more pollution comes from the combined effects of common daily actions that rain and snowmelt rinse from our streets or farmlands.

 (Fall 2006)

Wastewater employee & Storm Water Department employee canoe down the St Mary's river to check storm water outfalls for illicit discharge.

(Summer 2007)

 They recently tested a new “smoke machine” that was purchased by the City’s Storm Water Department. This gas powered machine forces environmentally friendly smoke filled air through the City’s sewer system to locate leaks and illegal connections. It will be used as part of the ongoing Rule 13 permit the City has been mandated to maintain from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.                                                                                  

                                 (June & July 2010)

(Sept.-Dec. 2010)

City storm drains and a series of pipes collect rainwater and deposit it directly into nearby streams, ditches, wetlands, or rivers.

Storm water is not cleaned before it empties into our waterways. This means lawn care chemicals, grass clippings, litter, pet wastes, automotive products, plus other wastes are dumped untreated into our waterways.

There are things individuals can do to reduce this problem. Small changes in habits can make a big difference. It's simple: put nothing down the storm water drain that you wouldn't put directly into the river.

(Spring 2005)

 The Storm Water Department has a booth at, “Spotlight  on Decatur” every spring to increase public awareness of good storm water pollution prevention practices. This event draws an attendance of between 4,000 - 6,000. Above picture shows children fishing to win a prize: or, perhaps they will hook trash. This display demonstrated how our waterways become polluted with litter.

Smoke exiting sewer outfall at

Wastewater Treatment plant.

(Nov. 2008)

Educational billboards displayed on

13th Street.