Upper Arlington businesses can now sign a free stormwater pledge aimed at helping small shops stay in line with local and state water-quality rules.

The city posted a notice on Sept. 1 promoting the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District's Water Quality Partner Pledge, a voluntary program that has operated across Franklin County since 2014. Several Upper Arlington businesses have already signed on, the city said, though it did not name them.

The pledge covers five areas: sharing pollution-prevention information with employees, keeping pollutants out of storm drains, controlling stormwater runoff through landscaping, containing vehicle-maintenance fluids and maintaining dumpster areas. The program targets businesses too small to employ dedicated compliance staff.

Participants receive a certificate, a window cling, website recognition and access to continuing education on stormwater issues. Sign-up is available through the district's website.

Multiple Franklin County municipalities have promoted the pledge ahead of Stormwater Awareness Week, which runs Oct. 1–7.