Let’s help households, businesses and communities to “Be River Smart!”
The River Smart campaign educates homeowners, local governments and businesses about the impacts of polluted runoff, and the many ways that we can all reduce it. Armed with helpful information, tips, local resources and hands-on action, we can all make strides towards cleaner rivers, lakes, and streams in the Housatonic valley.
Be River Smart! and take the pledge at BeRiverSmartCT.org
Helping local governments make smart development choices
HVA’s experts are happy to consult with your town’s Planning & Zoning, Inland Wetlands, or other boards & commissions to ensure that new development is designed with water quality in mind. Learn more >>
What can everyone do?
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Volunteer to help with “DRAINS TO RIVER” storm drain labeling! Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides around your home. Only use the smallest effective amounts, and only when absolutely needed.
- “Mow High and Let it Lie” – set your mower blades to the highest setting and leave your grass clippings on the yard.
- Nurture native trees, shrubs, and flowers. Native species require no fertilizers or pesticides or watering to keep healthy. They thrive in the local habitat and provide great food and shelter birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
- Don’t wash your car or change oil in your driveway. Take it to a professional facility or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, perform all service on a lawn where any small spills or rinsewater can be absorbed into the ground.
- Pave your walks, patios and driveways with absorbent materials like gravel, porous concrete, field stone or shells.
- Reduce your lawn size – a buffer of native shrubs around the perimeter cuts down on chemical use and absorbs more rainwater.
- Learn more, take the pledge and share with friends at BeRiverSmartCT.org
