Day 17 of 30
It’s Eco-Focus Friday! There are two separate sewer systems in Ashland: the storm sewer and the sanitary sewer. Rain, snow and other “stormwater” goes to the storm sewer. “Wastewater” from your home sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and showers goes to the sanitary sewer. The sanitary sewer leads to the City’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) where wastewater is cleaned up before being put back in the lake. The storm sewer, however, leads directly to the Bay with no filter or treatment. That means anything else going into the storm sewer (such as through grated storm inlets along the street) also flows into the lake. Debris entering the lake -- especially yard waste and litter -- leads to pollution and nutrient loading. Organic materials increase the chances for harmful algae blooms (HABs) in the water. Litter can break down into micro-plastics and endanger wildlife. Help the lake by keeping storm drains clean! Adopting a storm drain is one way we can reduce the overall pollution entering our water source. Picking up litter or yard waste and clearing the storm drain 5 feet in either direction is an easy way to positively impact water quality. Decorate your drains with phrases such as “drains to lake” or “no dumping” using appropriate materials and proper safety measures to bring awareness! Adopt-a-Drain through the Chequamegon Bay Green Infrastructure Project to be recognized on their map of local sustainable initiatives! Visit https://sites.google.com/view/cbgi/volunteer-opportunities/slow-the-flow-from-home/adopt-a-storm-drain?authuser=0
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