Austin, TX – Throughout August, National Water Quality Month highlights the importance of keeping our water clean and safe. The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department works year-round to keep our waterways healthy, and we invite the community to take part. 

Here are some simple ways you can help: 

• Report Water Pollution – Report harmful spills like oil, grease, paint, or chemicals near a creek or storm drain to Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) as soon as possible. Our field investigators respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• Explore volunteer opportunities – Take part in lake cleanups or help restore natural areas. Between our lake crew and partnerships, we remove about 11 tons of trash from Lady Bird Lake every year. Another 4,500 tons are collected from streets across Austin. 

• Scoop the Poop – Always pick up after your dog, even in your own yard. Over 250,000 dogs in Austin produce about 150,000 pounds of waste per day! When pet waste washes into creeks, it can lead to algae overgrowth, harm wildlife, and make water unsafe for recreation. 

• Grow Green – Practice sustainable landscaping through our Grow Green program. Learn about native and adapted plants, rain gardens, eco-friendly pest control and more to use rainwater as a resource and keep chemicals out of our waterways. 

• Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain – Mark storm drains with messages like “No Dumping – Drains to Creek” to show they flow to creeks and that keeping them clear protects water quality. 

• Discover educational programs for schools – Our Youth Education team provides outreach, field trips, and curriculum on local environmental issues such as flooding, erosion, and water quality. 

• Take our 10-minute Rain to River survey by September 15 – We’re creating Rain to River, our strategic plan, that will guide our work over the next decade. Your input will help shape our priorities and investments. 

Austin is known for its vibrant creeks, lakes, river, and springs. Let’s keep them healthy and safe together. Learn more about Austin’s water quality at AustinTexas.gov/department/water-quality-austins-waterways. 

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About Watershed Protection 

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.