A stream and paved greenway path at Apollo Heights Park

Spot, Report, and Stop Water Pollution

Help the City of Raleigh Prevent Water Pollution!


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Spot Water Pollution! Report Water Pollution! Stop Water Pollution!

Stormwater Pollution is the biggest challenge for our clean streams, rivers, and lakes. In fact, stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution to our waterways.

How? Seemingly small amounts of pollution transported by the City’s stormwater system accumulate into large amounts and end up in our drainage system, local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Help us Spot It – Report It – Stop It!

Spot Water Pollution!

These are the most common types of pollution found in our waterways.

Type of Pollution

Examples

Sediment

Soil, gravel, and other solid materials

Nutrient

Fertilizer, road salt, and detergent

Trash and Debris

Plastics, waste, and other debris

Heavy Metals

Old equipment, pipes, and sewage sludge

Chemicals

Paints, cleaning detergent, and chlorine

Petroleum/Hydrocarbons

Fuel, motor oils, and other petroleum products

Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOGs)

Cooking oil, grease, and food by-products

Pathogens

Pet waste, livestock, and sewer overflows

A pond with green algae, grass clippings, and other vegetation floating on top of the water.

Bottles, paper, and other trash in a stream.

Vehicle tire and sediment pollution in a creek.

Report Water Pollution!

If you see pollution or someone illegally dumping litter into the stormwater system, call the Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940 or email IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov.

Learn more about what to report and how to report it.

Clogged Drains or Pipes

Stormwater drains and pipes are maintained by the Stormwater Maintenance Team.

Report a clogged stormwater drain or pipe!

Raleigh Water

If you observe or experience a water line break, contact the Raleigh Water Call Center at 919-996-3245.

Report a sewer overflow!

Stop Water Pollution!

  1. Become a volunteer either for a day or on a more long-term basis.
  2. Help us monitor streams! As a stream monitor, you'll learn more about Raleigh's waterways and collect data on the overall health/quality of a stream.
  3. Try these six easy tips to prevent pollution and help protect our streams.

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