Stormwater Awareness Week Intro Photo

Stormwater Awareness Week

October 1st - 7th, 2026

Stormwater Awareness Week is part of a statewide initiative to highlight the importance of protecting our water resources from stormwater pollution. Each year, communities across Ohio come together during this week to raise awareness about how stormwater affects our environment, and how each of us plays a role in keeping our waterways clean.

Celebrate Stormwater Awareness Week with Us!

Join the Summit County Surface Water Management District (SWMD) and our local partners for a week of hands-on activities designed to help residents become active stormwater stewards. Each event offers a practical way to protect water quality, reduce pollution, and support healthier waterways across the SWMD.

Litter Cleanup Events

Help remove trash and debris from local waterways and public spaces. Your participation directly improves water quality and keeps storm drains flowing.

  • Monday, October 5th 9:00am – 12:00pm | Springfield Lake @ Dodds Park
    2425 Lakeside Dr, Akron, Ohio 44312
  • Tuesday, October 6th 12:00pm – 4:00pm | Copley Stream Cleanup
    926 Alfred Rd, Akron, Ohio 44333
  • Thursday, October 8th 10:00am – 2:00pm | East Reservoir, Portage Lakes
    305 Aqua Blvd, Akron, Ohio 44319

Native Planting Day
Join us in planting native species in our newly installed rain garden. Learn how native plants support stormwater health and reduce runoff.

  • Wednesday, October 7th 4:30pm – 6:30pm | Sagamore Hills Township Park
    11550 Valley View Rd, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067

Stormwater Steward Workshops
Hands-on sessions where participants create and take home practical tools to support stormwater stewardship at home. Great for families, homeowners, and anyone interested in simple, effective stormwater practices.

  • Monday, October 5th 6:00pm – 7:00pm | University of Akron Field Station
    4240 Ira Rd, Akron, Ohio 44333 (Bath Nature Preserve)
  • Saturday, October 17th 4:30pm – 5:30pm | Beacon Hills Park
    #4001496, Northfield, Ohio 44067
Roadside Ditches

Why Stormwater Matters

When it rains, water flows across streets, driveways, lawns, and parking lots, picking up pollutants such as litter, oils, fertilizers, and sediment. This runoff often travels directly into storm drains, streams, and rivers, without being treated. The result? Polluted waterways, increased flooding risks, and harm to fish, wildlife, and drinking water supplies. 

By working together, we can reduce these impacts and protect our local environment.

What We’re Doing

The Surface Water Management District works year-round to manage stormwater and reduce pollution across the county. Through our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, we implement projects and practices that improve water quality, reduce flooding, and meet state and federal clean water standards.

Our efforts include:

  • Restoraton and infrastructure projects that improve stormwater drainage and protect waterways.

  • Community Partnerships with schools, organizations, and local governments to increase awareness and encourage responsible practices.

  • Public education and outreach to help residents understand their role in reducing stormwater pollution.

CVNP Pedestrian Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 5

How You Can Be Part of the Solution

Everyday choices add up! Residents, businesses, and organizations can all take steps to prevent stormwater pollution, such as:

  • Properly disposing of household hazardous waste.

  • Planting native plants that reduce runoff and improve soil health.

  • Picking up pet waste and keeping leaves/yard debris out of storm drains.

  • Reducing fertilizer and pesticide use.

  • Installing rain barrels or rain gardens to capture and filter stormwater.

Click here to take the pledge

Be the Drop That Makes A Difference. Take the Pledge today!

Protecting our rivers, lakes, and streams starts at home, and it starts with you.

By making small changes in your everyday routine, you can help keep pollutants out of our storm drains and waterways. Join neighbors across Summit County in committing to simple, powerful actions that protect clean water for all.

When you take the pledge, you’re not only making a promise to your community, you’re helping us track real progress in stormwater awareness and action. Every pledge counts toward cleaner water, healthier neighborhoods, and a brighter future.

Together, we can make a difference in protecting our streams, rivers, and lakes for future generations.

***STORMWATER STEWARD SWAG BAGS

Take the Stormwater Steward Pledge for a chance to win a Stormwater Steward Swag Bag! And this year, we’re also giving away swag bags to the first 20 participants who attend one of our Stormwater Awareness Week events. Each bag includes practical tools and resources to help residents begin or expand their stormwater stewardship efforts at home.

Learn More & Get Involved

We’re proud to work with local and state partners to protect our waterways. Explore these resources for more information and ideas on how you can help: