We love Austin’s creeks and lakes and are excited to spread the word about preventing water pollution! Local artists painted storm drains around Austin with creek-themed designs as visual reminders that litter and pollutants wash through storm drains directly to our water. Enjoy the artwork, learn more, and help promote keeping our creeks and lakes clean!
- Visit the Painted Storm Drains and tag your shared photos with #creeklove to promote water quality protection.
- Check out information (below the images) about keeping Austin’s creeks and lakes clean!
The Colorado River (including Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin) runs deep in the heart of Austin and is fed by nearly 50 Austin creeks. Creeks and lakes are big attractions for residents and tourists! The natural beauty of these areas attracts thousands of people to walk, jog, bike, boat, picnic, and play. Events of all sizes are based in and near our water, contributing greatly to our city’s culture and healthy economy. Clean water is a wonderful place for people and pets to cool off and is essential for supporting Austin’s unique wildlife populations.
Litter, pet waste, garden chemicals, and other pollutants wash from land to the creeks and river when it rains, directly or through storm drains along our streets.
Do Your Part!
- Let’s Can It, Austin – never leave trash or cigarette butts on the ground.
- Find out how to properly dispose of unwanted items.
- Build a rain garden to keep water on the land.
- Follow Grow Green tips for lawn care and gardens.
- When changing your vehicle’s motor oil, visit an earthly-friendly automotive shop or follow these guidelines to do it yourself.
- If you have a pet, Scoop the Poop!
Volunteer
- Place “No Dumping” markers on Austin’s storm drains.
- Sign up to get volunteer notices for water quality protection projects!
- Educate kids.
- Join a community river cleanup or host your own litter cleanup anywhere in Austin.
- Adopt a Creek (including cleanups just 4 times per year!)
Report Pollution
If you see a leak, spill, or other source of potential pollution, call the Pollution Hotline (24 hours/7 days):
All Austin land drains to our creeks and river when it rains. Areas of land that drain to the same body of water are called a watershed, and each watershed is named for the creek or “lake” to which it drains. Check out these great resources to learn more about Austin’s natural water resources and protecting good water quality!
- Figure out in which watersheds you live, work, and play, and learn more about the health of the water.
- Read Watershed Profiles (information on water quality, flood, and erosion) for your City Council District.
- Find out more about the Watershed Protection Department’s educational programs.
- Sign up to receive notices of the Watershed Protection Department’s educational classes and activities.