Storm Water

Did you know that storm water, the water that runs off the street and down the gutters, that water goes straight to our river? Yep.

Many people believe that water runs to a treatment plant. I thought it did. But it doesn't.

The thing is, if someone believes the water gets treated somewhere, they might also think it is a good place to get rid of household chemicals, pet waste or used oil. They might not worry about what effect their action will have, and assume it is being handled.

It isn't.

But there is something you can do! By placing a small sign permanently on the storm drain, you alert people to the fact that this water goes directly to the James River. Walkers will see your handiwork and say to themselves "Hmm, I had no idea this water went straight to the James. I thought it was a sewer, as in, to the sewage plant. Interesting."


If you want to help, here's how. Look around your neighborhood for storm drains in need of markers (which is, they don't have one already). Let us know how many storm drains you think you'd like to mark. We will compile a kit for you with everything you'll need to do your own marking, as well as step-by-step instructions. It's simple, fast, and you'll feel good knowing your action may have kept a little pollution out of the James.

If you're interested, please call the office, or send an email. We'll hook you up!

marinacannon@missouristate.edu