Stormwater

Stormwater is excess rainwater plus the substances that are collected as the rain flows over the land. Every time it rains, gallons and gallons of polluted runoff flows into our creeks, streams, rivers and ponds. Polluted runoff may include: motor oil, yard clippings, soil, fertilizers, pesticides, trash and litter. The pollutants come from roads, yards, driveways, and gutters, or they are dumped directly into storm drains. Many people do not know that storm drains are NOT connected to waste water treatment systems. Everything that goes down a storm drain eventually ends up in one of our waterways. These pollutants degrade the water quality and are harmful to us and the environment.

Here are some simple things you can do to protect the water that flows into our storm drains:

• Use fertilizers and pesticides as directed.
• Keep grass clippings, trash, and dirt off the streets, out of the gutter, out of open ditches, and off of inlets and drains.
• Recycle used motor oil.
• Park your car on the grass before washing it.
• Spread the word about protecting our waterways from polluted runoff to friends and family.