Stormwater Tips
How can you help us improve stormwater pollution? Think about your habits and how you can make improvements in the following areas:
Pet Waste & Water Pollution
Did you know that when pet waste is left on the ground, it doesn’t just disappear? When it rains, stormwater runoff carries pet waste into storm drains, which flow directly into our lakes and rivers—not to a sewage treatment plant.
While it might seem harmless if one dog’s waste is left behind, think about the impact of an entire neighborhood or community. With so many dogs contributing waste, the cumulative effect can result in serious water pollution. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and nutrients that, when washed into our waterways, can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
This is a problem that affects everyone. By picking up after your pet and properly disposing of waste, you can help keep our lakes, rivers, and streams clean. Remember, small actions can make a big difference!
Yard Fertilizing
Proper lawn care plays a big role in reducing stormwater runoff and protecting our environment. Fertilizing your lawn only when necessary helps prevent excess nutrients from washing into storm drains, rivers, and streams. Using too much fertilizer can lead to polluted runoff, contributing to water contamination.
If fertilizing is needed, opt for slow-release nitrogen and zero-phosphorus fertilizer, and apply only during the growing season (April-September). Never fertilize before heavy rain, and keep it away from hard surfaces and waterbodies to prevent stormwater pollution. Simple steps can make a big difference!
Washing Your Car
Washing cars on driveways or streets sends dirty water filled with pollutants like soap, oil, and heavy metals directly into storm drains, eventually polluting local streams, rivers, and lakes. This runoff harms aquatic habitats and degrades water quality.
To reduce stormwater pollution, consider going to a commercial car wash that recycles water and treats it properly. If washing at home, use biodegradable, phosphate-free soap, control water use with a nozzle, and wash your car on grass or porous surfaces to filter out pollutants. Together, we can protect our waterways!
Yard Waste
Yard clippings can create serious problems when it clogs storm drains and gutters, leading to flooding. As leaves decompose in urban areas, they release excess nutrients into stormwater, promoting harmful algae growth that damages local waterways and aquatic life.
To prevent these issues, properly dispose of yard debris by:
- Using leaf clippings as mulch in gardens to improve soil and reduce runoff.
- Adding them to compost to enrich the soil.
- Letting clippings decompose on the lawn for natural fertilization.
- Collecting debris for yard waste pickup, keeping storm drains clear and reducing flood risks.
By following these simple practices, you can help protect our local waterways and reduce the risk of flooding in your community.