City of Cleveland
National Public Works & Safety Week Open House
Worksheet Answers for Teachers: Matching Divisions
City of Cleveland
National Public Works & Safety Week Open House
Worksheet Answer for Teacher: What’s wrong with this picture?
#1 Don’t Rake Leaves into Creek
Leave mowed grass clippings on the lawn as a source of nutrients for
the grass and to help reduce soil erosion. Do not rake leaves into nearby
streams, rivers or creeks because they may stop the flow of water and
cause damage to the ecosystem.
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Stormwater runoff is another name for rain and snow
melt when it flows on the ground. Stormwater runoff
impacts the environment by washing pollutants on
the ground into local streams, rivers and Lake Erie.
Lake Erie is Northeast Ohio’s main source of drinking
water.
Help keep our local water free of pollution.
A healthy environment starts with you.
#2 Don’t Litter
Street litter, such as plastic bags, cups and candy wrappers often gets
swept away by rain water into storm drains and ends up floating in Lake
Erie or washing up on our beaches. Recycle as much trash as possible,
and put all other litter in garbage cans. Never throw trash in the street
or down a storm drain. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up and
toss it in the nearest trash can.
#3 Don’t pour any chemicals into Storm Drain
Motor oil, antifreeze or other chemicals can damage or kill underwater
plants and animals. Never pour household hazardous waste down
a storm drain, onto the ground or into a waterway. Store unwanted
chemicals in a sturdy container and take it to an approved disposal
center. When you see “Only Rain Down the Storm Drain” decals on
City of Cleveland sewer covers that is a reminder that allowing liquids
other than stormwater to get into storm drains leads to the pollution
of lakes and streams.
#4 Don’t allow a sprinkler to water hard ground surfaces
Place sprinklers so that the water goes on the lawn instead of watering
the street or sidewalk. Water from sprinklers that runs onto streets and
sidewalks washes pollutants, including pet waste, into storm drains that
run directly to nearby waterways.
#5 Don’t allow Leaky cars on roadways
Oil, antifreeze and other car fluids that leaks out of cars and trucks are
washed into storm drains when it rains. Remind your parents to check
their cars for drips and leaks.
#6 Loose Manhole Cover
Look out for loose, damaged or missing manhole covers in the City of
Cleveland. If you find one, tell an adult to report it to the Division of
Water Pollution Control. NEVER play near an open manhole.
Report illegal dumping into sewers to
(216) 664-DUMP!