Give Water a Hand has been one of the most successful environmental awareness campaigns in northwest Ohio. Its success can be attributed to the highly collaborative team of people behind the effort. Over 20 communities and organizations partnered together to create the Give Water a Hand Residential Campaign. Many of those continued with the program as we created the Business Campaign, and new partners joined the program with the Watershed Awareness (stream signing) Campaign and the Storm Drain Marking Campaign. This program has received requests and compliments from organization in many states and the Residential Campaign was awarded an Honorable Mention in a national competition by the National Association of Regional Councils in June 2006 and the Ohio Environmental Education Fund's 2006 Outstanding Environmental Education Project. The entire project was funded by the Ohio Environmental Education Fund, Local Jurisdictions and other partners. All materials are still available upon request.

Give Water a Hand - Residential Campaign

The Maumee RAP collaborated with 16 local jurisdictions and 6 organizations from January 2004 to April 2005 to educate residents of the Northwest Ohio about storm water and other environmental issues, their impact on water quality, and how the average citizen can help. This multi-media campaign included the quarterly mailing of tip cards, newspaper, cinema, and television ads, press releases, posters, and public service announcements (PSAs).

Give Water a Hand - Business Campaign

Based on the success of the Residential Campaign, a Give Water a Hand - Business Campaign was created in 2006 to inform local business owners, managers, and employees of the proper methods of storage, use, and disposal of a wide variety of materials that can help them to save money and prevent pollution. Guidebooks were created focusing on four business sectors. Many participating jurisdictions continue to utilize and promote the Business Campaign.

Give Water a Hand - Watershed Awareness Campaign

The Give Water a Hand - Watershed Awareness Campaign was created to inform residents and visitors alike of what watershed they are in. Signs have been posted at bridge crossings and/or other locations where high public awareness and impact is needed, such as illegal dumping areas. Over 250 signs were posted in 2005 and 2006 in 6 watersheds.

Give Water a Hand - Storm Drain Marking Campaign

The Give Water a Hand - Storm Drain Marking Campaign is a revamped version of the former Maumee RAP Storm Drain Stenciling Program. This new campaign involves local communities and volunteers marking storm drain inlets. This is done to inform residents in the neighborhood about the importance of not putting anything in storm drains because they lead straight to our local waterways.