If giving back to Greenville or being more environmentally conscious is on your list of New Year's resolutions, consider this: The Reedy River needs our help. Actions both big and small have a profound effect on the health of our local waterway, so it's more important than ever to reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into the river.

But how? Enter: The Reedy River Water Quality Group, an organization formed in 2015 to protect, preserve, and improve water quality in the Reedy River. Here are five simple (but very impactful) ways to support their efforts:

1. Use your trash can

It may seem obvious, but remember — things flow downhill. If we don't throw trash in the can (think: litter and pet waste), it ends up in the river.

2. Don't pour cooking oils down the drain

Cooking fats, oils, and grease can clog drains, resulting in sanitary sewer overflows and costly repair bills for homeowners. Try these correct methods instead to avoid major issues and consequences.

This Riparian buffer was recently planted along the Reedy River. | Photo by Reedy River Water Quality Group

3. Wash your car away from drains

Instead of setting up shop in the driveway, lather up on the lawn. Why? Soil acts as a filter to absorb soap pollutants. When suds go down storm drains, they usually end up in the Reedy.

Alternatively, you can take your ride to a car wash that recycles water.

4. Apply fertilizer correctly

Speaking of lawns, be sure to apply fertilizer according to the directions on the bag. Applying too much can be problematic and wasteful — and you can probably guess where the excess goes.

5. Don't clear land next to water

Trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants situated along the river create Riparian buffer zones. It's important to conserve these areas because they protect water quality by filtering pollutants. They also prevent erosion and flooding, which can harm aquatic habitats (and your property).

Psst... The Reedy River Water Quality group wants to better understand how our community interacts with the Reedy. Take their survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

More ways to protect the Reedy
https://6am-city.typeform.com/to/NmK8B64g