CLEAN WATER IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US

In recent years sources of water pollution like industrial wastes from factories have been greatly reduced.  Now, more than 60% of water pollution comes from everyday behaviors around our homes and businesses.  Things like oil leaking cars, fertilizers and pet waste contribute to water pollution.  All these sources add up to a large pollution problem.  Each of us can do small things to help clean up our water - which adds up to a pollution solution!

WHY DO WE NEED CLEAN WATER?

Having clean water is of primary importance for our health and economy.  Clean water provides recreation, commercial opportunities, fish habitat, drinking water and adds beauty to our beautiful Colorado landscape.  All of us benefit from clean water - and all of us have a role in cleaning and maintaining our lakes, rivers and other waterways.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your everyday behavior can actually have a very large impact on the water quality in and around the City of Loveland.  By taking simple steps around your home or business, you can help eliminate pollution traveling into storm drains which lead to our streams, lakes and rivers untreated.

Stormwater, or polluted runoff, occurs when rain and melting snow pick up pollution from streets, parking lots, yards, farm fields, construction sites and wash into our waterways.  Some of these pollutants are extremely toxic chemicals like motor oil, antifreeze and pesticides.  Others carry high levels of germs that cause disease like pet waste, organic fertilizers and livestock manure.

Overuse of fertilizer and pesticides, poor automobile maintenance and littering can all be prevented.

H2O Jo & Flo say:

"Keep it clean 'cause

we're all downstream."

Ordinary tasks like washing your car, changing your oil, or taking your pet for a walk can affect our local waterways.  There are many simple things we can do to help improve water quality here in Loveland.  Click the picture-link on the left for everyday ideas.

Report illegal dumping or spills that are potentially life threatening or hazardous to the environment by calling 911 or contacting City of Loveland Dispatch at 667-2151.  To report non-threatening or non-hazardous spills or dumping, call the City  Hot Line at 962-2761. 

Water pollution is often caused by illegal dumping or accidental spills into local waterways or the stormdrain system.  Unfortunately, most people are unaware of these occurrences.  To view examples of illicit discharges, click the picture-link on the left. 

The City also provides senior citizens and the disabled another way to dispose of their household hazardous waste through the Household Hazardous Waste Door-to-Door Pick-up.  For additional information, click the picture-link on the left.

The City sponsors events geared toward improving the water quality of our waterways such as: the Adopt-a-Waterway program, Stormdrain Marker program, and annual Waterway Clean-Up events.  Click the picture-link on the left for more information.

Development Guidelines have been created in order to help engineers, builders, and developers meet the permit requirements to help improve the water quality of stormwater runoff.  The City of Loveland (COL) has provided links to documents required by the City, the State of Colorado (CDPHE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  To access this information, click the picture-link on the left.