Solutions to Storm Water Pollution

There are plenty of ways Menomonee Falls residents can chip in to improve the water quality of local waterways, and the Clean River, Clear Falls Storm Water Expo this weekend is a great place to learn how.

The Storm Water Expo kicks off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Fire Station #3, W140N7501 Lilly Rd. A second day of festivities resumes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The two-day event is free and open to anyone.

Speakers and experts in the areas of rain gardens, rain barrels, rainwater harvesting and storm water pollution solutions will be available both days during the event.

Nancy Greifenhagen, village environmental coordinator, said this is the second year of the event. The Department of Natural Resources requires municipalities to conduct storm water education and outreach for residents. She said the Storm Water Expo is a fun and inviting way to reach the community.

“We’re trying to get as much information out there,” Greifenhagen said. “This is new to the community but we are building steam and building momentum.”

Scott Reynolds from ECS Environmental Canine Services will bring his two sewage-sniffing dogs for a demonstration. His dogs are trained to smell the presence of human waste in waterways, which is a low-cost alternative to other means of detection. Reynolds is scheduled to speak at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The first 200 adults that come to the event will receive storm water-related goodie bags, and they will be entered into a drawing to win donated items which will occur Saturday evening. The top price is a water fountain vessel, pump and aqua basin unit valued at $700.

On Friday, hundreds of students from North Middle School will attend the event and participate in minnow races and learn more about storm water management.

“We have a lot of environmentally oriented people in the Falls,” Greifenhagen said. “I think the community is becoming more aware of this event, and it’s a fun opportunity for everyone to learn.”

The Storm Water Expo will also offer an opportunity to learn more about the Menomonee Falls River Cleanup event occurring April 16, how to participate in the Adopt-a-River Program and how to become a Stream Monitor this summer to test local waterways.

To learn more about this event, contact Greifenhagen at 532-4417 or send a email to stormwater@menomonee-falls.org.