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https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/spot-report-and-stop-water-pollution
05/02/2025 3:56 pm

A stream and paved greenway path at Apollo Heights Park

Spot, Report, and Stop Water Pollution

Help the City Prevent Water Pollution!

Updated: May 2, 2025

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Spot Water Pollution! Report Water Pollution! Stop Water Pollution!

Stormwater pollution is the biggest challenge for our clean streams, rivers, and lakes. In fact, stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution to our waterways.

How? Small amounts of pollution carried through the stormwater system collect and end up in our local streams, rivers, and lakes.

Help us Spot It – Report It – Stop It!

Spot Water Pollution!

These are the most common types of pollution found in our waterways.

Type of PollutionExamples
SedimentSoil, gravel, and other solid materials
NutrientFertilizer, road salt, and detergent
Trash and DebrisPlastics, waste, and other debris
Heavy MetalsOld equipment, pipes, and sewage sludge
ChemicalsPaints, cleaning detergent, and chlorine
Petroleum/HydrocarbonsFuel, motor oils, and other petroleum products
Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOGs)Cooking oil, grease, and food by-products
PathogensPet waste, livestock, and sewer overflows
A close-up image of a pond with green algae, grass clippings, and other vegetation floating on top of the water.

A pond with green algae, grass clippings, and other vegetation floating on top of the water.

Bottles, paper, and other trash in a stream at Apollo Heights Park

Bottles, paper, and other trash in a stream.

Vehicle tire in a stream.

Vehicle tire and sediment pollution in a creek.

Report Water Pollution!

If you see pollution or someone illegally dumping litter into the stormwater system, call the Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940 or email IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov.

Learn more about what to report and how to report it.

Clogged Drains or Pipes

Stormwater drains and pipes are maintained by the Stormwater Maintenance Team.

Report a clogged stormwater drain or pipe!

Raleigh Water

If you observe or experience a water line break, contact the Raleigh Water Call Center at 919-996-3245.

Report a sewer overflow!

Stop Water Pollution!

  1. Become a volunteer either for a day or on a more long-term basis.
  2. Help us monitor streams! As a stream monitor, you'll learn more about Raleigh's waterways and collect data on the overall health/quality of a stream.
  3. Try these six easy tips to prevent pollution and help protect our streams.

How Litter and Trash Affects Streams

How Pet Waste Affects Streams

How Yard Waste Affects Streams

How Pesticides Affect Streams

How Household Chemicals Affect Streams

How Vehicle Maintenance Affects Streams

How Litter and Trash Affects Streams

How Pet Waste Affects Streams

How Yard Waste Affects Streams

How Pesticides Affect Streams

How Household Chemicals Affect Streams

How Vehicle Maintenance Affects Streams

Resources

 

When is Water Pollution Illegal?

Learn About Stormwater

Stormwater Management Plan

Reducing Pollutants in Our Watersheds

Contact

 

Stormwater Helpline
IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov
919-996-3940

 

Subscribe

 

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