Keep It Clean

    Hoover Crop  

Simple steps you can take at home to  prevent water pollution .


Take a Tour

Watershed Signage

Signage installed at Griggs, O'Shaughnessy & Hoover Reservoirs invites park visitors to  take a self-guided tour along the shoreline & learn about the green infrastructure installed there.

Rain gardens, porous pavement & more can improve the quality of storm water entering the reservoirs that supply our drinking water.

Non-point Source Pollution

Stormwater Runoff

Protect our Waterways
Illustration Courtesy of NCDENR

Learn about: mulching your garden for winter with Com-Til, keeping storm drains clear, proper yard waste disposal, cool weather energy savings (and how to get a rebate for a programmable thermostat), what to do if your pipes freeze (& how to prevent it), water main breaks & more. 

National Take Back Day Occurs Annually in April & October

National Take Back Day Occurs Annually in April & October National Take Back day events occur annually in April (4/22/23) and October (date TBD). Fortunately, Franklin County host's several permanent drug drop-off locations too; visit http://www.swaco.org/196/Pharmaceutical for year-round sites.  - learn more

Prep Your Plant Beds for Winter with Com-Til

Prep Your Plant Beds for Winter with Com-Til Temperate weather provides the perfect conditions to prepare your garden and plant beds for winter. By applying a layer of mulch, you can protect them from the temperature extremes and fluctuations we experience in central Ohio. - learn more

Stormdrain Leaves

Help Prevent Street Flooding - Keep Storm Drains Clear Help prevent street flooding by keeping storm drains free from blockages. Trash, leaves, debris, snow & ice are all common causes of strom sewer blockages - you can help. - learn more

Storm Drain Marker Program

Storm Drain Marker Program Summer & fall offer perfect weather for this volunteer opportunity to raise awareness that dumping waste into storm drains contributes to water pollution & endangers wildlife. Decals, adhesive & instruction is provided for volunteers to apply on curbs near storm drain inlets - perfect for individuals or groups. - learn more

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly - Pet Waste Too

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly - Pet Waste Too Waste must be properly prepared and placed for collection. Leaves swept into the curb will not be collected in Columbus. Dumping yard waste into storm drains or waterways adds excess nutrients to the water, can clog drains & contribute to flooding. Better yet, compost & mulch yard waste. - learn more

Cool Weather Energy Savings Tips

Cool Weather Energy Savings Tips Learn how to save energy during cooler weather. Plus, link to a rebate offer for a new programmable thermostat or low flow shower head. - learn more

Household Hazardous Waste Events

Household Hazardous Waste Events Join a Household Hazardous Waste Event Saturday, April 22; open to central Ohio residents. Please check swaco.org for additional events, accepted items and the year-round collection site.   - learn more

Do Not Flush - No Wipes in the Pipes

Do Not Flush - No Wipes in the Pipes Remember, no wipes in the pipes! Only toilet paper is truly flushable, despite what labels may claim. Anything else is not designed to break down, can clog home pipes and city sewers and must go in the trash instead. Here’s a friendly reminder on what not to flush, (including so-called "flushable wipes") to avoid clogs. Please report any public sewer issues to our Sewer Maintenance Operations Center, at 614-645-7102. - learn more

ATTN: Pet Owners

ATTN: Pet Owners Due to an increase in dog bites this year, you may be asked to secure your pet when our utility workers come to your home. Restraining your pets protects them & our staff. - learn more

Volunteers Are Needed Year-Round by Local Watersheds

Volunteers Are Needed Year-Round by Local Watersheds Local watershed groups plan year-round events and other ways to participate in keeping our waterways clean, including streambank litter cleanups, invasive plant removal & more. 

    - learn more

    Hoover Reservoir Litter Cleanup

    Hoover Reservoir Litter Cleanup Volunteers are encouraged to participate in this annual fall litter cleanup Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hoover Reservoir. If interested in volunteering, contact Watershed Management at 614-645-1721 or [email protected]. - learn more

    Prepare for Cold Weather & Freezing Temps -

    Prepare for Cold Weather & Freezing Temps - Learn how to prepare your water lines for cold weather & freezing temps and what to do if your pipes freeze or break. - learn more

    Fatberg

    Holiday Reminder Do Not Pour Cooking Oils & Grease Down the Drain after Preparing Meals. Fats, oils & grease (FOG) can clog sewers, resulting in basement backups & costly repairs. Learn how to properly dispose of grease or reuse it.  - learn more

    Holiday Tree Disposal

    Holiday Tree Disposal Rumpke will provide curbside pickup of holiday trees free-of-charge on residents’ regular yard waste collection day. Report pick-up problems to Rumpke. Also, free drop-off locations listed to allow recycling of trees. - learn more

    Participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program

    Participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program These common materials used in the home can cause injury and are harmful if disposed of improperly. Never dump them into a storm drain, open waterway or ditch. Learn how to dispose of them properly - there are many permanent free drop-off locations and mobile collection events (May in Dublin; September in Grove City, October in Westerville). - learn more