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Ripple Effects

Actions to Protect Our Waters

There are many actions you can take to make a Ripple Effect and protect Dane County waters. Learn more about what you can do below and click on a program to learn more or get involved.

Person raking leaves from curbline
Leaf-free Streets

In the fall, timely removal of street leaf litter can reduce the amount of phosphorus in urban stormwater by 80% compared to no leaf removal. Learn how to safely dispose of your leaves and sign up for rain alerts on our program page.

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Rain garden
Plant Dane

Native plants provide important ecosystem services such as habitat for local wildlife and improved water quality. Learn more about native plants, our annual native plant sale, rain garden resources and more on our Plant Dane program page.

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Children feet surrounding a "No Dump" sign
Storm Drain Marking

Storm drain marking helps increase awareness of the storm drain’s connection to our local water resources. Learn how you can help mark storm drains and educate your neighbors about stormwater pollution on our program page.

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Storm drain mural featuring a person on a kayak and a fish
Storm Drain Murals

Storm drain murals teach others where the rain and everything else that washes down our storm drains ends up- in our waters! Learn how you can help design and paint a storm drain in your community.

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A rain barrel installed at a downspout
Rain Barrels

Rain barrels capture stormwater runoff from roofs, and reduce the amount of polluted runoff that enters area storm drains and eventually washes into our waters.

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Someone installing an Adopt a Storm Drain mural
Adopt A Storm Drain

Keeping storm drains clean and clear can prevent localized flooding, keep our communities clean and protect our waters. Learn how to adopt a storm drain near you.

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