5. Urban Pollution and Streams

Pollution in general is an ongoing problem. Pollution that goes down storm drains, however, is of particular importance for stream health. Many people do not realize that everything that goes down storm drains - cigarettes, pop, oil and gas from washing cars, fertilizer run-off from lawns - goes directly into nearby streams, untreated. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a Storm Drain Marking Program that community members can get involved with free of charge by contacting the Habitat and Enhancement Branch Community Advisor in their area. This program is intended to give children and adults a chance to mark storm drains with a yellow fish symbol and to provide information to nearby residents as to the meaning of the fish. The handout given to residents includes information on how pollutants get into storm drains as well as information on how people can reduce the amount of pollutants that their activities put into neighborhood streams. We can all make changes in our own homes to reduce the amount of pollution that goes into salmon streams. For example, you can make a great window cleaner by mixing 2 tbsp. of white vinegar with one litre of water. It is so easy to help salmon--try it out!

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