Pootatuck Watershed Association (PWA) will be hosting a volunteer event on Saturday, June 17 (rain date June 24), from 9 am to 2 pm, placing "No Dumping, Drains to River" markers on storm drains throughout Sandy Hook Center, Fairfield Hills, and Newtown, near Big Y and Caraluzzi's markets. An earlier call for volunteers has been extended.

Volunteers wishing to participate in the Storm Drain Marker Program should RSVP by e-mail by the end of the day Friday, June 16, to Gunnar Cedergren (cedergrengb@gmail.com) or Neil Baldino (neil.baldino@gmail.com).

Those who plan to volunteer will be asked to meet PWA members at Queen Street Shopping Center, 6 Queen Street, at 9 am, before breaking into smaller groups. Volunteers will work in groups, concentrating on drains that run into the rivers. Due to other events, the meeting location may be changed.

Mr Baldino said the PWA is "worried about the drains that go into the Deep Brook and Pootatuck Rivers and Meeker Creek - a water source between Reed School and the new dog park." The area is "a giant watershed and it's important to keep the run-off as clean as possible, and to preserve water for fish production," he said.

The effort is a reminder to keep silt/fertilizers out of the water "and be mindful of where you are washing the car," Mr Baldino said. Also, "Don't sweep driveway water into the drain and interfere with trout breeding grounds," he said.

The Storm Drain Marker Program is intended to provide better public awareness of potential pollution via storm drains and other water runoff on Newtown's watershed.

Volunteers should dress accordingly, as efforts will include "a good deal of walking to place the storm drain markers." Volunteers will use an epoxy glue while placing the storm drain markers. This glue is difficult to remove from clothing.

PWA will provide water and snacks for the event.