What is stormwater?
Stormwater is water from rain or snow that runs over land, streets, parking lots, and rooftops. This water picks up trash chemicals, and other pollutants as it flows into surface water like creeks and streams. The water in our storm drains is not treated before it empties into our streams.
Stormwater is the largest source of water pollution across the country. This is why it is so important to have only rain down the drain!
Stormwater Education Programming
CFWEP provides stormwater education programming to the Butte School District. Our stormwater education curriculum includes:
- Background about general stormwater issues
- Stormwater issues in the Butte Superfund Site
- Stormwater site mapping
- Yearly storm drain marking (since 2012)
We receive funding from Butte-Silver Bow to provide outreach and educational programming about stormwater issues. For more information about stormwater in Butte, Montana please visit bsbstormwater.org.
If you are interested in Stormwater Education Programming for your classroom in Butte please contact us! We can also do a drain marking event with your students.
Butte Community Clean Up Blacktail Stream (CUBS) Week
CFWEP hosts an annual stream cleanup week May of every year. This event builds upon the legacy of Mr. Lou Parrett, who began a clean up day with his students in the 1970s. We are excited to spread the message of stewardship further and to continue Mr. Lou Parrett’s legacy. CUBS week provides the following:
- Yearly cleanup of Silver Bow and Blacktail Creeks in Butte
- Engagement of over 450 students from Butte in cleanup efforts
- Stormwater education programming to over 450 students
When walking your furry friend, always pick up waste. Harmful bacteria from pet waste washes to our streams along with increased nitrate, which results in less oxygen for our fish.
Only dispose of RV waste at properly designated dump stations that safely store the waste. Never empty RV waste into storm drains, which empty untreated into our local streams. Report illegal dumping at (406) 497-6200.
Bag and collect all yard clippings or compost them appropriately. Yard clippings can clog storm drains and the excess nutrients they contain can impact the health of our streams.
Never pour anything down storm drains, which empty into our streams. Instead of dumping, take your waste to the local landfill. Report illegal dumping at (406) 497-6200.
Use a local car wash (which is already equipped to deal with stormwater) or wash cars on your lawn to keep potentially harmful chemicals from washing into our storm drains.
Research risks of chemicals that you apply to your lawn to learn about potential. Avoid applying chemicals before rain to reduce the amount of chemicals that runoff your lawn.