Quick Facts
Did You Know...
A wastewater (sewer) system and a storm drain system are not the same - These two systems are completely different. Water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home or business flows to a wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and filtered. Water that flows down driveways and streets and into a gutter goes into a storm drain which flows directly to a stream, a creek, a river, a lake, and eventually the ocean. This water may pick up pollutants along the way that are never treated.
There are many types of pollutants that enter storm drains - Some common contaminants include motor oil, pesticides, brake dust, pet wastes, paint, and household chemicals.
The effects of the storm drain pollutants on our water can be harmful - These pollutants can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreational use, and wildlife. Some very popular beaches have even been closed because of contaminated stormwater.
There are ways you can prevent stormwater pollution - By educating yourself on what causes stormwater pollution, you are on the right path to preventing it.
Knowledge to Share With Others
Share this knowledge with others:
- Clean up oil spills and fix leaking automobiles.
- Clean up pet waste.
- Dispose of household chemicals properly - follow the directions on the package.
- Don't dump waste in storm drains.
- Don't fertilize or apply weed killers to your lawn before a forecast rain shower that will wash the chemicals away.
- Keep yard clippings out of the street.
- Place trash in cans with lids to prevent it from blowing away.
- Plant trees, as they improve stormwater quality by preventing sediment from washing away with stormwater.
- Sweep driveways clean - do not hose them down.
- Wash cars over grassy areas instead of on driveways to prevent soap from going into the storm drains, or take your car to a car wash.