Many communities host periodic collection events for hazardous household waste. Here is a helpful guide to the locations and dates of such events in the Rock River communities, as well as the materials collected at each.
The Rock River Basin community has many opportunities to be friendly to stormwater. Activities include things you can do on your own or with a group of friends. Besides the activities listed below, check out your city’s website for volunteer days along the Rock River and its tributaries!
Recognize and Report Illegal Dumping
Substances that are not entirely composed of water which are put into a stormwater drainage system, lake, river or stream are called illicit discharges. This contaminated water travels directly to waterways without treatment, which threatens our region’s water quality.
Recognizing illegal connections to storm drains is an important tool to mitigate stormwater pollution. It is part of your role as a Rock River Basin community member to report illegal connections to the storm drain. Learn more about illicit discharges here.
If you spill hazardous materials or see warning signs of an illicit discharge, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 24 Hour Spill Hotline at: 1-800-943-0003.
Storm Drain Stenciling
Community groups throughout the Rock River Basin are painting local storm drains to remind people that when water enters storm drains from lawns, driveways and streets it goes directly into local creeks, rivers and lakes without being treated . Storm drain stenciling is a fun activity for groups of all ages. For more information or to request a stenciling kit for your group, contact the Renew the Rock campaign via jvalerius@msa-ps.com.
Citizen Volunteer Monitoring
Join your neighbors as a volunteer stream monitor in your area. Volunteers monitor the health of streams by recording stream flow and clarity as well as cataloging all the creatures living in the water. You can volunteer with the Rock River Coalition’s Citizen Monitoring Program or the statewide Water Action Volunteers program.
Organize a Stream Cleanup
Indulge in a trash-free River. You can join the annual Rock River Sweep by teaming up with other members of your community to help clean up your community’s streams. Visit http://www.rockriversweep.org to find details on locations and contact information for your community.
If your local waterway still needs a champion, you can organize a local river cleanup with the help of American Rivers.
Protect Wisconsin Waterways 