WAV, pronounced wave, stands for Water Action Volunteers, a partnership combining the Department of Natural Resources' water resource expertise and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension's educational skills to coordinate independent stream and river activities around the state. WAV provides educational materials and know-how for local volunteers who want to take action to improve water quality. Stenciling storm drains is easy, visible and fun. Students in the Green Bay area stenciled over 350 storm drain inlets. One phone call to the WAV program will begin a community building activity that also improves the environment.
Volunteers pick their messages based on where the storm sewers in their community drain.
Dump No Waste, Protect our Drinking Water. WAV also supplies groups with door hanger cards and fact sheets to distribute to nearby residents. The information explains the sources of stormwater pollution, and suggests ways to curb the problem. Each volunteer group purchases its own paint and supplies or borrows supplies from city government. Local ordinances may limit where stencils can be applied.