Education and Public Involvement
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Managing stormwater and enhancing public safety and health not only involves monitoring and inspecting, but it also involves educating citizens on how stormwater affects them and how they affect stormwater. RCSH2O staff participates in a variety of outreach events annually including festivals, career days, homeowner’s meetings, and workshops. Staff members also use inspection and monitoring reports to develop custom outreach efforts for a specific need.
If you’re interested in an education or outreach event with RCSH2O, please contact the Education and Outreach Coordinator.
My River Starts Here
Many citizens don't realize that storm drains lead to our local waterways and that illicit discharges and illegal dumping impairs water quality. Storm drain markers are a “friendly reminder” to citizens that stormwater drains to the river and stormwater is the only things that should go into storm drains. Since 2008 over 7,000 markers have been placed on storm drains in the unincorporated Richland County area. As neighborhoods continue to be developed, we aim to mark more storm drains to remind everyone that each of our actions impact water quality in our community. Click here to visit the My River Starts Here website and sign up to mark storm drains in your neighborhood.
Trash the Poop
Leaving dog waste on the ground can cause more than messy shoes and dirty looks from your neighbors. It also has a negative impact when rain washes it into our waterways and becomes harmful to your health and your pet’s health, too! Pet waste contains three times more bacteria than human waste. When it rains, residue and bacteria from the waste is washed into our local waterways where it can cause diseases in humans and animals. Richland County offers free pet waste stations for neighborhoods who enroll in the Trash the Poop program. For more information visit www.trashthepoop.com.
Richland County is also a part of the Richland Countywide Stormwater Consortium (RCSC), a collective of over 20 groups working together to keep stormwater clean around the county. Some of the program hosted by RCSC include Adopt-A-Stream, the Backyard Landscaping Series for homeowners, and professional development workshop. To learn more about the consortium, its events, and its partners, click the RCSC logo or visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to review the latest strategic plan.
