Did You Know?
You can help reduce the amount of pollution that is introduced into the waterbodies that we use for fishing, swimming and providing drinking water by practicing a few simple, healthy household habits.
Benefits of Trees
One of the best things residents can do to improve stormwater quality is to plant trees. Tree leaves help slow rain as it falls to the ground which increases water absorption. Leaf litter on the ground also slows stormwater runoff and keeps the soil surface looser, so more water can be absorbed rather than run off. Tree roots also hold soil, preventing sedimentation from washing away with the stormwater. So, go ahead ~ Be Tree Friendly!
Furry Friends
There are approximately 26,000 dogs in Vigo County and they generate about 10 tons of waste every day! When it rains, bacteria from pet waste can wash directly into storm drains and drainage ditches and eventually into our waterways completely untreated. Pet Waste is a Health Hazard and a Water Pollutant. Protect Your Health and Our Waterways...Clean Up After Your Pets!
Oil & Chemicals
The used oil from a single oil change can contaminate up to 1 MILLION gallons of water. If you change your own oil, please protect your environment by recycling this valuable resource. Take your used motor oil to the nearest collection center, such as a service station, lube center or automotive center. You should never dump any oil, antifreeze, or other fluids on the ground or down storm drains.
Watersheds
A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross county, state, and national boundaries. There are 41 watersheds in the 92 counties in Indiana. Vigo County crosses three watersheds. No matter where you are, you are in a watershed.
Car Washes
Soap and detergents that run unfiltered into streams can harm aquatic life. For home car washing, park vehicles over grass to keep soapy water from flowing down driveways, into streets and down storm drains. The soil in your yard will trap and filter the soap, and the soap will not harm the grass. The best option for washing your car is to go to a commercial car wash. Commercial car washes use water efficiently and drain used water to the sewage system for treatment.
Operation
Clean Sweep
The Terre Haute Street Department currently sweeps up approximately 100 cubic yards of debris off the city's streets each day! All you have to do to help cut down on the amount of excess sediment and debris is 1.) sweep your driveways, sidewalks and gutters and 2.) bag (or mulch) your leaves.
Get The App
Help keep our drains clean by downloading our new app and reporting problems.
