Tips for Everyone
Everyone can do their bit to help improve the health of our rivers and creeks.
The health of our rivers and creeks has improved significantly in recent years, but stormwater remains a big source of pollution in urban areas.
Every year, millions of litres of stormwater wash litter, cigarette butts and pollutants from suburban streets and recreational areas down drains and into our rivers, creeks and bays.
Find out more about what affects river health.
Wildlife such as platypus, fish and frogs rely on healthy rivers, creeks and wetlands for their survival. Their presence can be great indicators of the health of rivers and creeks. It is up to all of us to keep their homes clean and safe.
We have a number of programs in place to help remove some of the pollutants in stormwater. You can help too by following a few simple tips:
- Dispose of paints and solvents properly
- Make sure you bin it tight
- Fix your leaks and service your car
- Always pick up after your dog
Dispose of paints and solvents properly
- Never rinse paint into a gutter or drain
- Buy only as much paint as you need
- Clean brushes on rags, then rinse water-based paint into the garden
- Dissolve oil-based paint in turps and dispose of via your Council waste and recycling service or find a Detox Your Home Site near you
- Find out more about safe paint disposal
Make sure you bin it tight
- Never litter: when it rains, litter gets washed from streets and buildings down stormwater drains and into our rivers and creeks
- Make sure that your rubbish is placed securely in bins and recycling containers so it can’t blow away or fall out.
Fix your leaks and service your car
- Check that your car isn’t leaking oil or petrol
- Never pour oil into the gutter or drain: just one litre of oil can contaminate millions of litres of water
- Contact your local council to find an oil disposal centre in your area.
Always pick up after your dog
- Never leave dog droppings on the street
- Dispose of dog droppings in your garden, or tie them securely in a plastic bag and then put them in the bin.