The Philadelphia Water Department, together with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, is asking homeowners and neighborhood leaders to improve water quality in the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers by installing storm drain emblems proclaiming “Yo! No Dumping! Drains to River.”

Volunteer training and materials will be provided at no cost.

Storm drain marking has been a family-oriented Earth Day activity since 2000 in the City of Philadelphia. Emblems installed by volunteers have served to warn citizens that dumping hazardous materials into storm drains contributes to stormwater runoff pollution, a leading threat to water quality in the Delaware Estuary.

“When storm drains are clearly marked, citizens are less likely to dump materials like litter, motor oil and paint,” said Lisa Wool, program director for the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “These and other contaminants can be discharged as untreated runoff into the waters we use for swimming, fishing, drinking water and more.”

Volunteers hitting the streets will also be equipped with educational tip cards. When distributed to residents by a friendly or familiar face, these tip cards go a long way toward protecting the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, both of which are vital sources of drinking water for millions of people.

In addition to protecting the environment, storm drain marking can serve as a cultural or sight-seeing experience. Many drains yet to be marked exist in Chinatown, East Falls, Fishtown and still other boroughs boasting unique customs and historical points of interest.

For more information, visit the Storm Drain Marking Program webpage and to schedule an appointment to pick up supplies, please call Dee Ross at 800-445-4935, extension 106.

3/9/2007