Watchful on Stormwater in River Wilderness
Protecting the Manatee River Starts NOW
Get tough! Active Call to Action for River Wilderness Homeowners and their stormwater. We all love clean, beautiful water—and let’s be honest, polluting it is just gross. Every drop that flows from our neighborhood eventually reaches the Manatee River, one of Parrish’s most treasured natural resources.
At River Wilderness, we have a unique opportunity: by taking simple steps in our own backyards, we can keep our local water clean, protect native wildlife, and preserve the beauty of Florida’s natural environment.
Here’s how you can make a big difference right here at home.
What is Stormwater Runoff—and Why Should You Care?
When it rains, water runs off rooftops, driveways, and lawns, picking up pollutants like fertilizer, oil, and pet waste along the way. This stormwater runoff flows into storm drains and eventually into the Manatee River, affecting fish, plants, and even drinking water.
Check out RW Kids – I SPY post for Fun! – Kids Care for Stormwater
Do you know the nicknames of the FL coasts? – Florida Coast Nicknames
River Wilderness Homeowners –
Treat Yard Waste Ideas
- Compost leaves and trimmings instead of sending them to storm drains, ditches, swales or ponds.
- Sweep stuff like grass clippings off pavement and put trash in it’s place — they don’t belong in our drains, so use the hose after sweeping.
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and toward gardens or grass.
- Use mulch, bricks, gravel or other porous materials for walkways and patios.
- Report clogs in drains and damaged systems or eroded slopes to your RWHOA board.
- Do you have more ideas not listed?
Help everyone out and message us about what you are doing to have your brilliant idea featured here on RWHOA.com and help your neighborhood.
Reduce Chemical Use
- Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly—or not at all.
- Sweep sidewalks instead of hosing them down.
- Take hazardous waste (like paint or motor oil) to approved drop-off sites.
Car & Vehicle Care
- Wash your car on the lawn or at a professional car wash (they recycle water!).
- Repair leaks to prevent oil and coolant from hitting our pavement.
Pet Waste Patrol
- Scoop the Poop! It’s more than gross—it’s pollution in disguise.
- As well as an act of courtesy to neighbors and community members.
Protect our Ponds
- Catch the Rain- Stormwater Collection. Talk to your board about installing appropriate rain barrels to collect roof runoff for later use.
- Protect your stormwater pond – keep fill out, watch the levels. Reduction in treatment volume will interfere with the pond’s ability to hold stormwater runoff.
Stormwater Summery for River Wilderness Homeowners
River Wilderness and our board at RWHOA.com are committed to helping our fellow Homeowners and community thrive and stay aware of stormwater and weather events — and keeping you fully informed.
We might need to change our documents from time to time, but we will keep you informed. If you have personal questions, it’s smart to talk to a board member of RWHOA. We can help you with our experiences and if you have no confidence we can lend you some of ours!
Let’s work together to share your ideas and keep our water pure, our community beautiful and the Manatee River thriving.
Stay tuned to RWHOA.com for updates and links to all key documents.
