Bangor Area Storm Water Group - BASWG

08/19/2026

Happy World Photography Day!

We want to see the Greater Bangor area through your lens. Head outside and capture a favorite view of the natural beauty around you, a winding stream, a quiet wetland, a scenic trail, or your favorite spot along the water.

Post your photo, tag us, and show us what you’ve been seeing out there! Please only post photos you took yourself or have permission to share, and keep submissions appropriate for all ages.

08/17/2026

Put rainwater to work!

August can bring plenty of hot, dry days, making every drop of water count. A rain barrel captures water from your roof and stores it for later use on lawns, gardens, and plants, while also reducing the amount of stormwater runoff flowing into our streets and waterways.

It’s a simple way to conserve water, save on your water bill, and help keep pollutants out of local streams and lakes. Learn more about rain barrels and how to get started: https://baswg.org/resources/rain-barrels/

08/13/2026

Stormwater pollution is sneaky. It can start with something as simple as litter on the ground, runoff from a parking lot, or other everyday activities, then make its way into our waterways.

This fun whiteboard animation shows how it happens, and what we can do to help stop pollution before it reaches the water. Give it a watch, then tell us: What’s one thing you do to help keep our waterways clean?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJL5HE5nhqc&t=25s

Where does stormwater go? Just follow the flow! Stormwater collec...

08/11/2026

AUGUST CLEANUP CHALLENGE: MISSION ACCEPTED?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Find one piece of litter before it finds its way into a storm drain.

Keep your eyes peeled while walking the dog, heading to the park, or enjoying a summer day outside. Spot a piece? Pick it up, toss it in the trash, and give yourself one tiny victory for the day.

Think you’re up for the challenge? Comment “Mission accepted!” below, tag someone who needs a mission, then share this post to your own profile and recruit others for the challenge! The more people who join in, the more litter we can keep out of our waterways.

Find more ways to help protect local water quality at https://baswg.org

08/06/2026

Think your brown lawn is dead? Think again.

During dry spells, many perennial grasses go dormant, turning brown to conserve energy. Your lawn can survive for weeks this way, then green back up when moisture returns. The trick is knowing when to water, and how much: most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

Before you turn on the sprinkler, check the rain gauge. Your lawn might not be as thirsty as you think!

Rain or shine, a little water wisdom goes a long way. Get the tips: https://baswg.org/resources/using-water-wisely/

08/03/2026

August is National Water Quality Month!

Here in Maine, we’re lucky to have no shortage of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds to enjoy. Keeping those waterways clean starts with the everyday choices we make, like picking up after our pets, keeping litter off the ground, and disposing of household chemicals properly.

Small actions can make a big difference in protecting the water we all depend on and enjoy.

Learn more at https://baswg.org

07/30/2026

Yard mystery: solved.

That little green plant you keep seeing in your lawn might have a name. Dandelions, crabgrass, creeping charlie, and other common weeds are easier to manage once you know what you’re looking at.

Before you pull, spray, or ignore it, check out BASWG’s Common Weeds guide and become the neighborhood plant detective.

Learn more: https://baswg.org/resources/common-weeds/

07/28/2026

Summer days are made for exploring, but a rainy afternoon or a quiet evening at home is the perfect time for a little screen time with a purpose!

Try “Stomp Out Pollution,” a side-scrolling game that shows how stormwater moves, how pollution travels, and what happens after it washes into our waterways.

Play here: https://baswg.org/learn-about-stormwater/stomp-out-pollution

Play the Stomp Out Pollution Video Game for an interactive way to learn about stormwater pollution!

07/27/2026

What washes down the storm drain doesn't just disappear. Polluted stormwater flows into local streams and rivers before making its way to the ocean, so visit our website to see how your everyday choices can help protect our waters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-KShV9qUZY

Did you know that stormwater picks up pollutants as it runs, carryi...

07/20/2026

Ever wonder who visits local waterways when no one's around?

Many Outfall SignSearch locations are home to birds, insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. While you're hunting for our signs, keep an eye out for the creatures that depend on clean water to survive.

Join the Outfall SignSearch here: https://baswg.org/outfall-signsearch/

You might come for the scavenger hunt and leave with a few wildlife sightings and pictures to brag about.