Stormwater Pollution Solutions

We must better understand and prevent stormwater pollution. Education is essential to changing people's behavior. Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

Residential

Please recycle or properly dispose of hazardous household products. Do not pour such items onto the ground or into storm drains. Other residential activities that can contribute to stormwater pollution are: Lawn care, auto care, not inspecting septic systems, and pet waste.

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Commercial

Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local water bodies.

• Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
• Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.
• Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team. They will know the best way to keep spills from harming the environment.

Construction

Erosion controls that are not maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local waterbodies.

• Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of construction sites. Sweep mud from the streets do not wash it away. This will help return it to the area it originated from as opposed to washing it further away from the site, thus preventing pollution.
• Install silt fences, it will keep soil and debris from contaminating nearby waterways.
• Provide vehicle mud removal areas, having a gravel path for vehicles to drive on will help loosen mud from the tire treads.
• Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.

Agriculture

Lack of vegetation on streambanks can lead to erosion. Overgrazed pastures can also contribute excessive amounts of sediment to local waterbodies. Excess fertilizers and pesticides can poison aquatic animals and lead to destructive algae blooms. Livestock in streams can contaminate waterways with bacteria, making them unsafe for human contact.

• Keep livestock away from streambanks and provide them with a water source away from water bodies.
• Store and apply manure away from waterbodies and in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
• Vegetate riparian areas along waterways.
• Rotate animal grazing to prevent soil erosion in fields.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label instructions to save money and minimize pollution.