Show Your River Pride
Get Involved
Runoff is the most significant contributor to water quality degradation and biggest threat in the San Antonio River Watershed. Water that goes into storm drains is not treated before it reaches water bodies. This water is known as stormwater runoff or non-point source pollution.
Here are 5 things you can do now to protect the creeks and rivers in your neighborhood:
1. Turn Your Downspouts
Check out the rainfall during a storm. Does your home have gutters and downspouts that direct roof runoff onto hard surfaces? If so, you can redirect the downspout to your lawn or landscaping to help filter the water before it reaches the storm drains.
2. Build a Rain Garden
A rain garden can help beautify your yard and help protect the environment. Think of the garden as a shallow bowl, that captures rainwater from your roof, sidewalks and/or driveway. The rain garden allows you to slow down the flow of rain water entering our waterways, to soak up some pollutants and filter the runoff that would otherwise end up in a storm drain, and ultimately in our creeks and rivers. This will help protect you foundation. Look for areas that are 10 feet from the foundation to build your rain garden. We have a short series of step-by-step videos to walk you through the process.
3. Add a Rain Barrel or Cistern to Your Yard
Harvest rainwater in a rain barrel or a cistern and use that water to irrigate your yard. This will help capture water and conserve potable water that is typically used to water lawns.
4. Pick Up Your Pet’s Waste
Animal & pet feces that are not picked up can also end up in storm drains and travel to nearby creeks and rivers. Feces carry bacteria that cause disease. Help do your part by picking up after your pet waste and properly disposing it in the trash.
5. Permeable Pavers
Permeable paved areas transform pavement into a stormwater treatment device. Permeable paved areas have gaps between the pavers which allow stormwater to drain to a gravel and sand reservoir below. The runoff is filtered through the reservoir before entering the storm drain system. Layers of sand and stone filter runoff to remove pollutants before releasing the runoff of the property.
Get Informed
- The River Authority offers a community presentation about the projects and areas we serve. We would be happy to present at your next group meeting. We now offer virtual presentations!
- What is the difference between impervious and pervious surfaces? Watch this quick video to learn more:
- Keep learning! Take a tour through our Sustainability Learning Module to learn about retrofits the River Authority did on their properties, and to dive into stream restoration.
Sustainability Learning Module
- Visit some of our government partner resource pages:
Get Loud
Start a conversation and inspire action!
- Sign up individually or get a group of friends to become River Warrior volunteers. Have conversations about what you can do to make a difference and take action!
- Contact your elected officials about your vision for the future of the San Antonio River.
- Follow us on social media! Post a thought-provoking question on your page and use the hashtag #BeRiverProud.
