Take Action

Whenever possible, choose an Eco-Rated Marina or Yacht Club to house your boat.
Pump out the holding tanks on your boat only at approved pump-out stations.
Remember your boat cleaners end up in the river, so be sure to use non-toxic and phosphate-free cleaners.
Always consider a four-stroke engine. Older 2-stroke engines can dump up to 30% of their unburned fuel into the water.
Never dump untreated sewage into the river.
Throwing trash overboard is illegal. Take all garbage ashore and dispose of it properly.
Be respectful of where you travel – stay out of ecologically sensitive areas. Proceed slowly in shadow areas and watch your wake.
Prevent the introduction of non-native species by thoroughly cleaning your boat before traveling a new waterbody.

For more information:
Clean Boater Program

Fish for the thrill of the catch and then safely release your fish to allow them to be caught again.
Don’t use lead sinkers or jigs. Many alternatives are available.
Properly dispose of unwanted or tangled fishing lines, lures and hooks.
When ice fishing be sure to leave no trace – garbage left behind ends up in the river.
Be careful of what you eat, always check the “Guide to Eating Sport Fish” in your region.

Use environmentally-friendly household chemicals and cleaners because your pipes are linked to the river.
Take hazardous household materials to a disposal depot. Don’t dump them in sink or bathtub drains.
Reduce your water use, especially during heavy rain events when local sewage treatment plants get overloaded.
Refrain from non-essential use of lawn and garden chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
Use natural compost instead of chemical fertilizers on your lawn. If you have to use fertilizers, do not apply when rain is forecasted.
In winter, keeping ice and snow off your driveway and side walks is important for safety. However, put your sidewalk and driveway on a low salt diet.
Build a healthy lawn. The key to a weed and pest-free lawn is to build strength in your grass.

Keep your shoreline natural to minimize erosion and runoff and protect the habitat for aquatic life.
Remember to use safe septic practices. A malfunctioning septic system allows phosphorous and bacteria to leach into the river.
Start a buffer by leaving some grass uncut along the water’s edge; restore with deep rooting native plants.
Don’t dump unwanted pesticides in the ground, storm drains, rivers or lakes.
Don’t leave trash on the beach. Take it home and dispose of it properly.

Show your support for a healthy river by participating in shoreline clean-ups or other community events that focus on the river
Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day on the 2nd Sunday of June.
Call our toll-free Pollution Hotline 1-888-9KEEPER to report pollution or development in your local area that maybe impacting the river system.
BECOME a MEMBER of Ottawa Riverkeeper

Ottawa Riverkeeper / Sentinelle Outaouais