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City of Delaware Stormwater Program
The City of Delaware has a Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4) with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency which allows the city to discharge stormwater into the Olentangy River untreated. Delaware’s Public Utilities Department, in an effort to be compliant with their permit, hosts several public outreach and public involvement opportunities year round. They host an annual tree planting event, river and stream clean-ups, stream monitoring, invasive species removal, and storm drain labeling opportunities. Public Utilities is also the primary organizer of the Northern Olentangy Watershed (NOW) Festival at Mingo Park every June. The festival encourages land and water stewardship, especially as it pertains to the Olentangy River Watershed and is free to attend.
More information: City of Delaware Stormwater Program
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic Rivers Program
The Olentangy River has 22 miles designated as a State Scenic River from south of the Delaware Dam to old Wilson Bridge Road in Worthington. The scenic stretch of river is monitored annually by ODNR stream quality monitoring (SQM) volunteers. Small aquatic organisms (macroinvertebrates) are collected from the river and surveyed to determine which types are present and how frequently they occur. The organisms are returned to the water and the data are used to determine the health of that portion of the waterway. Macroinvertebrates are highly effective barometers of a river’s health because they have varying tolerances of pollution. Surveying the presence, quantity, and diversity of macroinvertebrates can indicate potential problems.
More information: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/scenic-rivers-program
Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW)
FLOW was formed as a non-profit 501c3 in August 1997. Their mission is to keep the Olentangy River and its tributaries clean and safe for all to enjoy, through public education, volunteer activities, and coordination with local decision-makers. They host clean-ups, invasive species removal, tree planting programs, and more. Learn about their volunteer opportunities here.