The rainy looks, which are found in the streets of our cities and in certain parking lots, are drainage systems designed to evacuate rainwater.
But did you know that these rainy looks throw themselves directly into the Saint-François river, without going through a treatment?
This means that anything that is placed in the street can end up in our drinking water source.
Notre initiative Health! Respect our river aims to raise awareness among citizens about the consequences of waste thrown into rainfall, explaining the impact of their actions and the effects on receptor watercourses.
Several slots of sewer mouths have been painted in the parking lots and landing in schools in order to raise awareness among young audiences.
-The Saint-François river: our source of drinking water
The Saint-François river is a vital resource for our community. It serves as a source of supply for our drinking water, which makes its protection essential for public health. We draw water directly from this river to feed our homes, schools, businesses, etc. This underlines the importance of keeping water from the river clean and not to pollute it.
What ends in the river?
Unfortunately, anything that is deposited in the streets can be found in rainy looks, then in the river. This includes:
- Waste : Like bags, papers and plastics.
- Disposable cups and packaging : often left in the streets after rapid consumption.
- Gravel and earth : from construction sites or maintenance of courses and streets.
- Cigarette butts : A small gesture that has a big impact. Besides, did you know that a megot can pollute up to 500 l of water, according to the water information center [1]?
- Chemicals : Like automotive oils or other dangerous substances.
It is therefore important not to throw objects in the street, for:
- Preserve the environment : When waste or chemicals are found in the river, it can harm plants and aquatic animals. This can also affect biodiversity and lead to long -term pollution of our environment.
- Ensure the quality of drinking water : the waste that ends in the river can alter the water quality, which makes water purification more difficult and costly before it is distributed in our homes. This can also have consequences for consumers’ health.
- Respect public health : polluted water can lead to health risks of citizens and affect nautical activities.
Each of us has a role to play to protect our environment and the quality of our drinking water:
- Do not throw waste in the street : Thank you for sorting your waste and throwing it in the right places. Each little gesture counts!
- Avoid paying chemicals : If you have products like oil or used paint, bring them to the eco-centered.
Let’s protect our river together, for us and for future generations
The Saint-François river is a precious resource. Protecting the quality of the water from this river is preserving our health, our environment and the quality of life for all. Together, we can make a big difference by being responsible for what we throw away!
[1] Water information center – 2019
