What Is Stormwater?
 

When it rains, someone washes their car or waters their lawn, impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways and roads prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. The portion of water that is not absorbed into the ground is what is known as stormwater runoff. This water in motion picks up and carries a wide variety of pollutants and litter, which flow into our storm drains, and eventually empty directly into our waterways. Unlike household wastewater, stormwater is not treated. That means, the everyday pollution that we all contribute has a direct impact on our local water quality.

                        

 Keep storm drains clear and clean of debris such as leaves, grass, and litter.  

Did you know that grass that is washed down gutters and streets into storm drains make their way straight to area waterways?  Yard debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, adds unwanted and damaging nutrients to our area waterways, in addition to clogging storm drains and accelerating flooding.

                               
It is vital to the health of area waterways that we keep yard debris, litter, and other pollutants such as pet wastes out of our storm drains. 

QUICK TIPS:

• USE SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZER TO PREVENT LOSS OF NITROGEN.

• USE NATIVE PLANTS IN LANDSCAPING WHICH REQUIRE LESS WATER.

• USE GROUND COVER ON SLOPES AND STREAM BANKS.

• KEEP DITCHES AND DRAINS CLEAR OF DEBRIS AND LITTER.

• PICK UP AND PROPERLY DISPOSE OF ALL ANIMAL WASTE.
   

Related:

• What can I do to Help?
• Why is Stormwater Management Important?
• What Are Localities Doing to Reduce Stormwater Pollution?

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