Did you know that trillions of dangerous bacteria and literally tons of fertilizer and trash reach our local streams every year by way of street-side storm drains? This has a big impact on wildlife and public health, but we can solve this problem with small acts of stewardship around our neighborhoods and businesses.
SWAT events are part of the White River Alliance’s volunteer opportunities aimed at making a difference for our water. A SWAT is a StormWater Action Team. SWATs can be made up of groups of kids, colleagues, or neighbors that are willing to donate time to help steward storm drains and promote water quality awareness in neighborhoods or commercial centers.
SWATs will be assigned to a portion of a neighborhood that has known drainage problems and whose storm drains discharge directly to an already impaired (polluted) stream, making conditions in that stream worse. SWAT members will be provided gloves, garbage bags, safety vests, drain markers, and educational door hangers to distribute. SWATs will work to removed leaves and debris from around several storm drains in the neighborhood, mark the drain with an educational marker, and then place Clear Choices Clean Water Adopt-a-Storm Drain door hangers on neighborhood residents’ doors.
Get more info about organizing a SWAT event in your neighborhood on the White River Alliance website!
2019 SWAT Service Day
The White River Alliance is hosting two events as part of our annual Corporate SWAT Service Day this year. Assemble your company’s most enthusiastic volunteers and join us for an afternoon of fresh air and cleaner water! Pick the date that works best for your team!
- Friday, November 15 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm in Carmel
- Thursday, November 21 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm in Noblesville
Teams will meet at a central point for each event to provide instructions before heading out to our target areas. Once the work is done, we will reconvene for a beer and refreshments.
To register for these service days, contact scott@thewhiteriveralliance.org.
