Calgary is a growing city on a small river. When it rains, water runs off our streets, driveways, and yards and ultimately ends up in our rivers, creeks, and wetlands. This runoff is called stormwater. Stormwater picks up garbage, chemicals, pet waste, salt, fertilizers, dirt, and other debris, washing it into our storm drains and our rivers. Calgary is seeing higher volumes of stormwater, which is resulting in urban flooding and more river pollution.
The City of Calgary and Calgarians need to work together to manage our stormwater. The City uses storm ponds to naturally treat stormwater by slowing the flow, allowing sediment and pollution to settle before entering our rivers. While these are found in newer communities, stormwater is not cleaned by a treatment plant, which is why keeping it pollution free is critical. Clean stormwater ensures our rivers, creeks, and wetlands, as well as local wildlife and fish, remain healthy for future generations.
You can help keep stormwater clean and our rivers healthy by doing these simple actions:
- Point downspouts toward lawns and gardens or use a rain barrel.
- Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Sweep up debris from your garage and driveway instead of washing it away.
- Wash your vehicle at a car wash instead of your driveway.
- Never pour anything down the storm drain.
- Pick up pet waste and litter and put them in the proper waste containers.
What ends up on our streets, ends up in our rivers. Visit calgary.ca/stormwater to learn more.
