What does the Yellow Fish Road™ Program Do?

Participants paint yellow fish next to storm drains in their community, to remind their neighbours that anything entering the storm drain flows directly to the local waterbody untreated. The participants also distribute fish-shaped brochures, so that residents know why yellow fish have appeared in their neighbourhood.

What happens when you pour something down a storm drain?

In most cities, storm drains connect directly to the local waterbody untreated. Anything that runs off lawns, driveways, sidewalks and roads can end up in the local waterbody, like litter, salt, soap and fertilizer.

These wastes can have a negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Not only by harming fish and wildlife, but reducing drinking water quality for humans.

What sorts of things are harmful to the fish?

Almost anything other than clean rainwater will be harmful to the fish. This includes soap used to wash cars (that is not biodegradable), excess fertilizer on the lawn, dirt and oil from roadways, and construction materials. Pollution not only affects fish, but plants, bugs and other wildlife using the water.

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Why has pollution in storm drains become a problem?

People often do not realize that storm drains flow untreated to the local waterbody, not to the sewage treatment plant. Many people also do not realize how simple activities such as allowing soapy water to enter the drains is harmful to aquatic life. People may also be unaware of alternatives, such as pouring soapy water down their own drains to be filtered before entering the local waterbody or using biodegradable cleaning products.

With growing cities, even small amounts of pollution from each citizen can add up in the local waterbody.

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What happens to people who pour harmful materials down the drains?

Most municipalities have bylaws stating that only clean water is allowed to enter storm drains. Depending on the municipality, violators of a stormwater bylaw can be fined a dollar amount or be imprisoned or both.

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