Education - "Only Rain Should Go Down the Drain"

The Town's storm water management program aims to reduce pollution that washes from buildings, pavement and other things that are impervious to rainwater. An education program includes utility bill inserts and other mailings, newspaper advertisements, workshops and the Web. Staff members are available to advise individual homeowners and business people and to speak to civic groups.

Check out the Block Leader Program to learn about the Town's environmental programs and become a resource for neighbors on conservation. Stevens Nature Center is an excellent resource for more information on rain barrels, water gardens and stream buffers. Rain garden demonstration sites are planned at Town Hall and at White Oak Park.

The Town of Cary is a founding partner of the Clean Water Education Partnership, which is administered by the Triangle J Council of Governments. This partnership is comprised of a group of local governments within the Neuse River basin.

The Soil Science and Biological & Agricultural Engineering departments at N.C. State University also have information for homeowners and developers on storm water issues.

Ways to Help

• Volunteer to stencil storm drains
• Never place anything down a storm drain
• Reduce impervious areas so that rain can soak into the ground naturally
• Protect riparian areas
• Conserve water
• Use native plants
• Limit the use of fertilizer and never fertilize before a rainstorm
• Clean up after your pets
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash or where the water can soak into the ground
• Reduce, recycle and reuse
• Dispose of household hazardous waste properly