AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In honor of National Water Quality Month, Austin's Watershed Protection Department shared tips on how the public can help keep Austin's waterways healthy.
Ways the public can help include: • Report water pollution - Reporting harmful spills like oil, grease, paint, or other chemicals near a creek or storm drain to Austin 3-1-1 as soon as possible. • Volunteer for clean-ups - Volunteer to help clean up lakes or creeks in the Austin area. According to the city, 11 tons of trash are removed from Lady Bird Lake each year. • Pick up after pets - The city said you should always pick up after your pet uses the restroom, even in your own yard. When pet waste washes into creeks, it can lead to algae overgrowth, harm wildlife and make water unsafe for recreation. • Grow Gre