March 2017   |   Issue No. 13
Rain Barrel Sale
 

The City of Tulsa's Stormwater Quality Division is partnering with Upcycle Products and Rain Water Solutions to offer rain barrels at a discounted rate to the public. You can attach a rain barrel to the gutter on your home to catch rainwater that falls onto your roof and then use the water to wash your car, top off your swimming pool or water your garden or lawn.

Harvesting rainwater prevents stormwater runoff from picking up pollutants as it flows into the streets and storm drains, which then flows untreated into our local streams. Harvesting rainwater also allows stormwater to soak into the ground, decreasing scouring flows of stormwater to streams in urban areas after rainfall.

Visit  our website to learn more about this special purchase opportunity. Our employees will distribute the rain barrels on Saturday, April 29 and Saturday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tulsa's Household Pollutant Collection Facility, 4502 S. Galveston Ave.

The City of Tulsa does not endorse any of the above vendors over another. Nor are they the only vendors who offer rain barrels. 
Species Spotlight: Mayfly 

Mayflies are aquatic insects that belong to the order Ephemeroptera. They are part of an ancient group of insects, which also contain dragonflies and damselflies. There are more than 3,000 known species of mayfly throughout the world.
 
The immature stages of mayflies are aquatic forms found in fresh water. You can find immature mayflies, called nymphs, in streams under rocks, in decaying vegetation, or in sediments. 
 
Nymphs are usually herbivores or detritivores that process a large quantity of organic matter. They also transfer large quantities of phosphates and nitrates to terrestrial environments when they emerge from the water, thus helping remove pollutants from aqueous systems.

The presence of immature mayflies in fresh water indicates a clean, unpolluted environment. Wide ranges of predators eat nymphs, which are an important part of the food chain. Fish are among the main predators of nymphs. Some fish feed on emerging nymphs and adults on the water surface, which attract fly fishermen.
 
   
Erosion Control Builder of the Quarter

As part of Tulsa's Stormwater Permit compliance, the Stormwater Quality Division inspects construction sites to ensure sediment does not impact the storm sewer system and streams. Executive Homes is being recognized this quarter for installing and maintaining exemplary best management practices at its sites throughout Tulsa.

Established in 2010, Executive Homes has built more than 500 new homes in the Greater Tulsa Area. Executive Homes specializes in distinction, designing and building homes in the Tulsa area that are exceptional in every way. They currently offer lots for building in 16 different neighborhoods and can build on your own lot/land. Executive Homes also has 50-plus homes that are finished, or under construction. Executive Homes is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa.

Executive Homes installs a variety of erosion control measures (ECMs) on their properties, including gravel drives, gator guard, and the use of vegetation and sodding. Additionally, they are quick to correct and maintain their ECMs as needed. Congratulations to Executive Homes, this Quarter's Erosion Control Builder of the Quarter!
2017 Tulsa Home and Garden Show

The City of Tulsa was at the 2017 Greater Tulsa Home and Garden show answering questions and taking comments from show visitors. Along with Stormwater Quality, Solid Waste and Water and Sewer, were on hand to answer your questions.  There were plenty of freebies and information, as well our aquarium display and rain barrel giveaway. 

Plan to visit our booth next year for information on City services.
Adopt-a-Stream

The City of Tulsa's Stormwater Quality Division has undertaken an effort to foster a greater sense of stewardship of Tulsa's streams through a new program called Adopt-A-Stream. One easily seen impact of the neglect of Tulsa's streams is the amount of trash that collects on stream banks after each rain. These immense amounts of trash cause eyesores and blight in the community.

Soon businesses and organizations will be able to adopt their local stream by picking up trash along it. The City of Tulsa will recognize the adopting organization by placing signs highlighting their adoption throughout the watershed.

If you are interested in participating in this new program, contact Tulsa's Stormwater Education Coordinator at (918) 591-4375.
Stormwater Videos

Have you seen our Sgt. Red and Mingo commercials on TV? If not, those same videos and more are available on the City of Tulsa's Stormwater Quality webpage. 

When you visit us online , you can view six commercials about the adventures of Sgt. Red and his sidekick Mingo, as well as educational videos about Tulsa's Household Pollutant Collection Facility, our Stormwater Outreach Program, and our Creek Cleanup.