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It took decades for our streams to get into this condition, and it will take years of hard work and investment to improve them. In the meantime, there are measures you can take to help protect the environment and your family.

Protect the Environment

  • Disconnect downspouts and sump pumps connected to sewers. This will prevent clear water from using up our sewers' capacity. Click here to learn more.
  • Don't send fats, oils or grease down the drain. They cause sewer blockages and backups.
  • Properly dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, battery acid and household chemicals. Call 327-4TOX or visit www.indy.gov/ToxDrop to learn how. Never pour chemicals on the ground.
  • Use non-toxic household cleaning products. When cleaning products are washed down drains, the toxic chemicals are sent to a wastewater treatment plant. Many chemicals cannot be treated and are discharged into our waterways.
  • Minimize the use of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizer, and consider using natural alternatives. 
  • Inspect your septic system annually and empty the system regularly.
  • Clear gutters and storm sewer drains of leaves and debris.
  • Reduce water use in your home and business.
  • Clean up after your pets. Their waste contaminates our waterways.

Protect your family

  • Pay attention to sewer overflow warning signs posted by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works and the Marion County Health Department.
  • Prevent your children and pets from making contact with urban streams.
  • Teach children to stay away from flooded parks, greenways, yards, parking lots and streets. Floodwaters in urban areas are both dangerous and unsanitary.
  • Always wash your hands after contacting water in urban streams, especially before eating, drinking, smoking or preparing food.
  • Use a waterless hand sanitizer at outings that occur near urban streams.
  • Call the city's Sewer Overflow Hotline at 327-1643 to up-to-date overflow conditions on Marion County streams. You can also sign up for e-mail overflow alerts at www.indy.gov/dpw.