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Stormwater Runoff and Pollution Reduction
 A
s
stormwater flows over
driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other
pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer
system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything
that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we
use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the
nation’s greatest threat to clean water.
By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep
common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive
fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household
habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters.
Remember to share the habits with your neighbors!
Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water
Vehicle and Garage
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Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other
unpaved surface to minimize
the amount
of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your
local waterbody.
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Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and
equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled
fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the
spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the
absorbent material.
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Recycle
used oil
and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump
these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.
Lawn and Garden
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Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid
application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed
into your local stream.
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Select native plants and grasses
that are drought- and pest resistant. Native plants require less water,
fertilizer, and pesticides.
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Sweep up
yard debris,
rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
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Don’t over water your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day,
and don’t let water run off into the storm drain.
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Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping
projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate
bare
spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.
Home Repair and Improvement
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Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm
drains and protect
them from
debris and other materials.
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Sweep up
and properly
dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
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Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts
possible,
and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills
immediately,
and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
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Purchase and use nontoxic,
biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable
products
whenever possible.
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Clean paint brushes in a
sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
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Reduce the amount of paved area and
increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your
landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider
directing downspouts
away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration
and reduce polluted runoff.
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