Residents are being called on to help improve local stormwater quality by taking part in Council’s ‘Be the Solution to Stormwater Pollution’ pledge.

The pledge will see residents commit to five changes to improve water quality in the local area. Each pledge will be entered into a draw to win one of three $50 vouchers for a local business of their choice.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli said the pledge is part of Council’s community education program connected to funding of $20,000 received from the Australian Government’s Communities Environment Program used to install floating wetland rafts at the Harrington Park Lake wetlands last year.

“From sweeping up leaves and throwing them in your green waste bin instead of washing them down the drain, to reducing single use items, we can all make a small difference to our environment,” Cr Fedeli said.

“We live in a beautiful environment in Camden and it is important that we work together and do our bit to help keep our local waterways in pristine condition.

“It is also significant that we launch our pledge on World Wetlands Day which aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.”

Ideas for you to take your pledge include:

• Sweep up leaves and grass clippings and place in the green bin – rather than washing them into kerbside drains which cause local flooding and add unwanted nutrients to our waterways;
• Limit fertiliser and pesticide use – which can wash away, contribute to toxic blue-green algae blooms, and encourage aquatic weed growth;
• Wash your car on the lawn or at a designated car wash station – rather than on the footpath or driveway where the water can run off into stormwater drains and our waterways;
• Keep your soil, sediment, and mulch on site – through erosion and sediment controls that prevent materials washing away and entering our waterways;
• Put rubbish in the bin – and keep it secure to avoid waste falling out during collection. Don’t forget to cut hair ties, face mask straps and plastic rings so that they don’t have the potential to entangle wildlife;
• Safely dispose of household chemicals – by participating in our free Household Chemical Cleanout days or visiting the nearest Community Recycling Centre; and
• Install a rainwater tank – to capture and reuse stormwater in your home and garden.

Entries for the competition, open to Camden residents only, will close on Sunday 21 February at 5pm, with the pledge remaining open to continue raising awareness of small changes with big outcomes.

For more information on taking the pledge, go to bit.ly/bethesolutiontostormwaterpollution