Think Blue Exeter

As rain and snow-melt, also known as stormwater, flows across streets, parking lots, and other surfaces it collects dirt, debris, and chemicals carrying them directly to our rivers and streams. This polluted run-off is called Stormwater Pollution. Our habits play a major role in this type of pollution.

Click the Homeowners category below to learn ways you can help reduce Stormwater Pollution because...CLEAN WATER STARTS WITH YOU!!! 

What is Stormwater Pollution?

As stormwater (or rain and snow-melt) flows across buildings, streets, parking lots, and other surfaces it collects dirt, debris, and chemicals and carries them directly to our rivers and streams. Collectively, these surfaces which do not allow water to penetrate are called impervious surfaces. The polluted run-off that flows across them and into our streams is called Stormwater Pollution.

What's the Water Quality Status of Exeter's Streams and Rivers?

As a result of water testing, NH Department of Environmental Services has designated the majority of Exeter's streams and rivers as "impaired" for one or more uses. This means the water contains pollutants which can be harmful to aquatic life, fish consumption, or humans during either direct or indirect contact.

To view how widespread this designation is, click HERE to view Exeter's "impaired rivers". As you look at this map remember, BLUE means the water course meets standards, RED means it does not. With the majority of Exeter's waterways in red on this map, you may be starting to understand the purpose of the THINK BLUE program.

How Can You Help?

Our habits play a major role in this type of pollution. To find out what simple changes you can make to reduce the amount of pollutants entering our rivers, explore the links below and be sure to check out our "Ducky Ads" at the bottom of the page.  You may have seen or heard them on Channel 98 or WXEX.

We need more people to THINK BLUE because CLEAN WATER STARTS WITH YOU!!!