World Rivers Day, observed every year on the fourth Sunday of September, celebrates the many waterways that give life to our ecosystems and fosters public awareness to protect them. This year, on September 28, people around the world will come together to recognize the threats facing rivers in every country and to encourage better stewardship of these vital resources.

 

The day was established in 2005 by renowned river advocate Mark Angelo, as part of the United Nations’ Water for Life Decade. Since then, millions of people across the globe have celebrated the value of our rivers, and this September, you can, too!

 

The U.S. has roughly 3.5 million miles of rivers that connect to the sea, with 3,905 of those miles located here in Hawaiʻi. Rivers provide drinking water, irrigation, transportation, and recreation, among many other benefits. They are also home to aquatic life and a source of water for thousands of animals. Clean water is essential to life and the health of our communities and environment is closely tied to rivers.

 

But our rivers are at risk. Storm water – rain that runs over streets and sidewalks instead of soaking into the ground – picks up oil, trash, and other pollutants along the way. This polluted water often flows into rivers and streams, bringing with it harmful bacteria, toxic chemicals, and excess nutrients. These pollutants can kill fish and other aquatic animals, make swimming unsafe, and even affect our drinking water.

 

To push back against storm water pollution, here are simple ways we can all help protect rivers:

 

  • Dispose of  trash, recyclables, green waste, and household hazardous waste properly and securely
  • Reduce or minimize use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
  • Join a river or community clean-up, through programs like Adopt-A-Highway
  • Plant and landscape with native and non-invasive plants, especially along waterways, to reduce storm water runoff and erosion
  • Reduce impermeable landscape, such as asphalt and concrete, around your home by replacing them with green space, permeable pavers, or other porous surfaces to capture storm water runoff
  • Carpool or take the bus to help reduce gas emissions and oil pollution
  • Talk to others about storm water pollution and support clean water policies

 

Small actions add up. Together, we can keep our rivers healthy and flowing for the future.

 

Sources: World Rivers Day, Hawaiʻi Rivers