Have you seen a yellow fish painted by a drain on the street? These fish are not decoration. They remind us that only rain should go down storm drains.
Storm drains carry water to rivers, creeks and the ocean. If the wrong things go in, the water gets dirty. It can harm people, fish and other animals.
Things that make water dirty include oil and gas, soap from washing cars, dog waste, grass clippings, yard chemicals and paint.
The Yellow Fish Road program began in 1991. Trout Unlimited Canada created it. More than 200 communities in Canada take part.
People can sign up to help. Volunteers paint or place decals of yellow fish beside drains. They give neighbours information about keeping water clean.
What you can do:
- Wash your car at a car wash.
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down.
- Don’t throw grass clippings, dirt or leaves into the street.
- Don’t leave dog waste on the ground.
Adapted from Watersheds Canada • Photo: Jade Chan