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TAKE ACTION

 BE A PART OF THE  

 SOLUTION TO STORMWATER 

 & GROUNDWATER POLLUTION 

PLEDGE

In our region, making simple changes in our behavior can help prevent water pollution and keep our karst landscape healthy. Take the Under Bowling Green Karst Groundwater pledge to commit to doing your part to protect Bowling Green's valuable water resources.

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To Pledge, select a minimum of 5 pledge items from those listed below. Once the item is complete, take a picture of yourself or the activity and share it with us. Not only will you be doing your part to protect our resources, but you will also be entered into a series of random drawings for prizes throughout the year!

Make Groundwater Conservation a Habit

  • Use water-efficient faucets, showerheads and toilets.

  • Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth.

  • Use water-efficient landscaping techniques.

  • Install water-efficient sprinklers and a rain sensor to override the sprinkler system when it rains.

  • Fix leaks.

  • Turn off your irrigation system and water only when needed.

PLAN

GUARD

Keep runoff water clean to protect our karst groundwater

  • Never dump trash/toxic materials into caves, sinkholes, springs, or rivers.

  • Never dump toxic materials such as motor oil or antifreeze down storm drains, curb inlets, or on the ground.

  • Check your vehicles for fluid leaks and maintain it with regular tune-ups.

  • Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash or toilet.

  • Do not fertilize before a heavy rain.

  • Sweep up any spilled fertilizer and place it back in the fertilizer bag.

  • Use slow-release fertilizer.

  • Always follow fertilizer package directions.

  • Use environmentally-friendly cleaners when washing vehicles or other outdoor equipment.

  • Keep stormwater drains near your home clear of debris.

  • Prevent bare soil from being exposed in landscaping or during construction projects.

  • Store hazardous waste properly and wait to dispose of them properly, perhaps at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Maintain septic systems to keep karst groundwater healthy

MAINTAIN

  • Watch closely for signs of septic tank failure.

  • Have septic systems inspected every 2 to 3 years and pumped when needed.

  • Switch to municipal sewer systems wherever available.

Keep karst features clean to protect groundwater and the health of specialized cave life

  • Never pollute a spring, cave, or sinkhole with oil, antifreeze, or other chemicals.

  • Never enter a cave without proper permission.

  • Never remove a cave formatiom.

  • Never leave trash or graffiti in a cave.

  • Always keep sinkholes clear of debris and trash.

PROTECT

DEMONSTRATE

Set an example for healthy living in a karst landscape

  • Volunteer for a cave, sinkhole, or spring cleanup.

  • Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to visit this website and learn about karst.

  • Encourage friends, family and neighbors to take the Under Bowling Green: Karst Groundwater pledge.

  • Educate others about the importance and sensitivity of karst landscapes.

  • Volunteer for a local environmental club.

  • Educate others about the interconnectedness of the karst landscape to the Barren River and our drinking water supply.

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