ONLY DRAIN RAIN
Prevent chemicals and detergents from washing out to streams and the sea.
Outside drains and gutters flow straight from your street into nature. The only thing that belongs in them is rain.
Image: Benhi Dixon | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
WHAT YOU
CAN DO
-
Any chemicals you tip into a stormwater drain, or hose or waterblast off your driveway, can pollute waterways and poison aquatic life. Keep them out.
-
Wash your car on the lawn or gravel so the soil can filter out the nasty stuff. If you don’t have a suitable area, a carwash is your best bet.
-
Even eco-friendly products need to be kept out of outside drains and downpipes. If detergents get into waterways, they can cause algal blooms that smother aquatic life.
-
Be responsible when it’s time to get rid of leftover cleaning products, tins of paint and other chemicals found around the home. If you’re not sure know how to dispose of something, check with your local council.
HOW YOU'LL
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Water is essential to the Kiwi way of life. It’s where we swim. It’s where we fish. It sustains our economy.
Two-thirds of New Zealand's awa/rivers aren't clean enough to swim in, and nearly 4 out of 5 of our freshwater fish species are in serious trouble. Keeping chemicals and detergents out of stormwater systems is an easy way to protect our wai wherever you live.
ARE YOU IN?
It takes everyone to make a difference for nature. Every little bit helps.
READY TO DO MORE?
-
If you’re doing landscaping work, have a plan to make sure soil stays on your property. Sediment is a big problem in New Zealand streams and estuaries.
-
There are heaps of community groups restoring streams and awa around the country. Try searching for a group that’s active in your area, or find out about DOC’s Ngā Awa river restoration programme.
NATURE'S IN
TROUBLE
Thousands of our native species are heading towards extinction, but it’s not too late to save them.
All around New Zealand, Kiwis are bringing nature back.
RELATED ACTIONS
Join freshwater lovers around New Zealand in the fight against didymo and other unwanted pests.
Each time you're at the beach, make it a habit to pick up three pieces of plastic.
Fish sustainably to keep the kai in the moana.