When it rains in coastal North Carolina stormwater pours off our plethora of parking lots into the neighborhoods, parks and eventually the Cape Fear River, and with the stream of water pollutants with it. Our increasing number of surfaces don’t allow the water to soak into the ground. Local groups are advancing public education which acknowledge the big public policy issues at play, but also offer solutions we can all take.

The episode features staff from Heal Our Waterways and the Cape Fear River Watch.

Here are ten things you can do about stormwater in Wilmington, North Carolina, New Hanover County, along with helpful links:

1. Install Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater from your roof to use in your garden.
   • New Hanover County Rain Barrel Program
2. Create a Rain Garden: Plant a garden designed to absorb rainwater runoff.
   • NC State Extension on Rain Gardens
3. Use Permeable Pavements: Replace impermeable surfaces with materials that allow water to seep through.
   • EPA on Permeable Pavement
4. Plant Native Vegetation: Native plants require less water and help reduce runoff.
   • NC Native Plant Society
5. Reduce Lawn Fertilizer Use: Excess fertilizer can wash into storm drains and pollute waterways.
   • NC State Extension on Fertilizer Management
6. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste: Prevent chemicals from entering storm drains.
   • New Hanover County Household Hazardous Waste Program
7. Clean Up Pet Waste: Pet waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains.
   • EPA on Pet Waste Management
8. Install Green Roofs: A green roof can absorb rainwater and reduce runoff.
   • NC State Extension on Green Roofs
9. Participate in Community Clean-Ups: Join efforts to clean local waterways and reduce pollution.
   • Cape Fear River Watch
10. Educate Your Community: Raise awareness about stormwater management practices.
    • NC Coastal Federation

Implementing these actions can help manage stormwater and protect the environment in Wilmington and New Hanover County.

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