Household products kill fish
Stormwater inlets around the district are easily identified by the distinctive aluminium trout symbols (as pictured above). The fish are a visual reminder that whatever washes off streets and footpaths goes down the drains and eventually ends up in the lake. Hazardous household products can also enter our stormwater network when they are poured into drains outside your property.
Disposed oils, detergents, paint, solvents, pesticides and other common household products contain chemicals that are toxic to fish. Even small discharges poison our waterways.
Stormwater runs through a network of pipes before being discharged into nearby streams, rivers or Lake Taupō. We have consents from Waikato Regional Council to do this. Because there is minimal treatment systems installed on stormwater runoff it is vital that any substances that could be harmful to our waterways are not discharged down our stormwater pipes.
Do not pour anything into a stormwater drain or onto the ground that could be toxic to wildlife. This includes:
- Paints and solvents
- Pesticides
- Motor oil, diesel and petrol
- Washing detergent
- Degreasers and disinfectants
- Drain and toilet cleaners
- Dry cleaning agents
- Household cleaners.
Here’s 10 things you can do to prevent polluting stormwater runoff:
- Never tip paint or chemicals out near a drain
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces
- Vegetate bare spots in your yard
- Compost your yard waste
- Picking up your animal poo
- Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels and learn how to prevent pest problems
- Consider starting a rain garden
- Take your car to a car wash (or wash it on the lawn) instead of washing it in your driveway
- Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
