In honor of World Water Day on March 22, Pima County is encouraging everyone to keep trash out of the desert. Rain water picks up contaminants and trash as it flows across yards and streets and eventually ends up in our washes and groundwater. The trash can release hazardous components into the stormwater and soil, or clog the drains and culverts that protect us from flooding. There are multiple ways to reduce stormwater pollution – from a simple personal commitment to pick up at least one piece of litter a day to joining in community cleanups organized by your neighbors or local organizations.
“Water is a precious resource in the desert and World Water Day is a great time to remind us of simple actions we can take to reduce stormwater pollution and keep our watershed healthy,” said Marie Light, Principal Hydrologist with the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality.
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality samples stormwater quality and investigates illegal dumping, which accounts for 47 percent of all environmental complaints within Pima County. In addition, the department performs cleanups on public lands if the perpetrator cannot be located. Pima County Regional Flood Control District regularly inspects and maintains our washes and the infrastructure that carries runoff to these washes. Residents can help by volunteering to Adopt-A-Roadway or Adopt-a-Park and assist with organized cleanups. The Pima County Department of Transportation administers the Adopt-A-Roadway program and Tucson Clean & Beautiful operates the Adopt-a-Park program throughout the metropolitan Tucson area.
“A promise not to litter and to try to pick up at least one piece of litter a day (no matter who caused it) will go a long way to keeping our community beautiful and our water clean,” said Ms. Light.
Based on the above PDEQ news release,
KVOA TV 4 aired this story about problems associated with illegal dumping in washes and opportunities available for volunteering for community cleanups.