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 Program Coordinator.
Call for Artists!
Richland County Stormwater Management and Columbia Water are seeking a local artist to create six (6) illustrations for the activity book "Tessa's Tale". The activity book focuses on a rainbow trout whose habitat is altered by new landowners and educates the reader on the effects of land alteration on natural habitats through a series of activities that highlight the physical, chemical, and biological health of a waterway. See the Request for Qualifications for more details or contact Chenille Williams with questions.
Drains Aren't Dumps
The name says it all! Storm drains lead to our local waterways and anything other than rain that goes into a storm drain is considered an illicit discharge and could flow into the nearest creek, stream, pond, or lake. Those waterways eventually flow into the river, which is our drinking water source. Illicit discharges and illegal dumping impair water quality. If you see anything other than rain go into a storm drain, report it to the Ombudsman’s office by calling 803-929-6000.
Richland County and City of Columbia work together to encourage citizens to place storm drain markers on storm drains in their neighborhoods. These markers are a “friendly reminder” to citizens that stormwater drains to the river and only rain should go into storm drains. Click here to visit the Drains Aren't Dumps 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 are washed into our local waterways where it can cause diseases in humans and animals. Richland County offers free pet waste stations for neighborhoods that enroll in the Trash the Poop program. For more information visit www.trashthepoop.com.
Join Richland County, City of Columbia staff at the Trash the Poop Wag-Along Wednesday Columbia Fireflies baseball games for fun activities and free giveaways.
Want to learn more about stormwater? Check out our videos on YouTube!