Preventing Runoff Pollution: Keeping Our Waterways Clean

As cities develop and expand, aquatic ecosystems are increasingly subjected to pollution and other human-driven stressors. Runoff pollution, which occurs when rain falls on streets, parking areas, and rooftops and picks up contaminants like oil, grease, metals, chemicals, bacteria, and fertilizers, is a significant source of harmful pollution in waterways. This polluted water then rushes into nearby gutters and storm drains, entering lakes, rivers, and bays without being treated. To prevent runoff pollution from entering waterways, it is essential to reduce pollution at the source by properly disposing of waste, maintaining vehicles and septic systems, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and creating green infrastructure to slow down and soak up polluted runoff.

Reduce use of cars

Reducing the use of cars is a crucial step in preventing runoff pollution from entering waterways. Cars and the roads we drive them on have a significant negative impact on water quality. The act of driving vehicles emits pollution into the air, which eventually finds its way into our waterways through runoff and groundwater. Additionally, the roads, parking lots, and driveways used by cars account for 55 to 75% of all paving in cities and towns, creating more "impervious" surfaces.

Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground. Instead, rainwater mixes with contaminants on these surfaces, such as oil, grease, metals, and chemicals from vehicles, and is then channelled directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and oceans through storm drains. This type of stormwater runoff is a major contributor to water pollution and can have severe ecological consequences.

By leaving your car at home and opting for alternative modes of transportation, such as public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking, you can significantly reduce the amount of pollution emitted by vehicles and decrease the number of impervious surfaces. This simple change can have a positive impact on the environment and improve water quality in your local waterways.

Another way to reduce the impact of cars on runoff pollution is to properly maintain your vehicle. This includes regularly checking for and fixing any oil leaks, recycling used oil and other fluids, and ensuring that your vehicle emissions are in good working order. Additionally, washing your car at a commercial car wash or on your lawn can help prevent soap and other contaminants from entering storm drains and polluting waterways.

In conclusion, reducing the use of cars and properly maintaining vehicles are essential steps in preventing runoff pollution from entering waterways. These actions can help minimize the amount of pollution that reaches our lakes, rivers, and oceans, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment for both wildlife and humans.

Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are essential for maintaining crop yields and protecting against pests. However, they can have detrimental effects on the environment if not managed properly. Here are some ways to cut down on these chemicals and prevent runoff pollution:

Follow Directions and Use Sparingly

When using fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, always follow the directions on the product labels. Use only the recommended amounts and avoid over-application. Applying more than what is necessary increases the risk of these chemicals ending up in nearby waterways through runoff.

Avoid Fertilizing Before Rainstorms

It is important not to apply fertilizers right before a rainstorm. Rainfall can wash away fertilizers from fields and gardens, leading to fertilizer runoff that contaminates nearby water bodies. By avoiding fertilization before expected rainfall, you can reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

Opt for Organic Fertilizers

Consider switching to organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are typically made from natural sources, such as compost or manure, and are less likely to contain high concentrations of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Organic fertilizers also tend to release nutrients more slowly, reducing the risk of excess nutrients washing into waterways.

Allow Lawns to Go Golden Brown in Summer

During the summer months, it is advisable to let your lawn go golden brown instead of constantly striving for a lush green appearance. Lawns typically require less maintenance during this period, and they will usually rebound and turn green again in the fall. Reducing the use of fertilizers and irrigation during this time can help minimize the risk of runoff.

Compost or Mulch Lawn Clippings

Instead of disposing of lawn clippings, consider composting or mulching them. Composting lawn clippings allows you to create your own organic fertilizer, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Mulching lawn clippings returns nutrients to the soil, improving its health and reducing the need for additional fertilizers.

Preserve and Plant Trees

Trees play a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff. They help to hold rainfall and slow down the flow of water, reducing the amount of runoff that enters nearby waterways. Preserving existing trees and planting new ones can make a significant difference in mitigating runoff pollution.

Maintain septic systems

Maintaining a septic system is crucial to prevent runoff pollution from entering waterways. Septic systems are used by many households to treat wastewater before it filters into the soil. However, if a septic system is not properly maintained, it can contaminate nearby water bodies, including drinking water sources.

• Understand your system: Know the components of your septic system, which typically include a tank for collecting sewage and solids, and a soil treatment area.
• Regular maintenance and evaluation: Don't assume your system is working just because your used water "goes away." Regularly inspect and evaluate your system to ensure it is treating sewage effectively. Look for signs of a faulty system, such as sewage odours, sewage surfacing in your yard, or high levels of nitrates or bacteria in well water tests.
• Pumping and cleaning: Septic tanks should be evaluated at least every three years and pumped out when sludge and scum accumulate. Pump solids through the tank's maintenance hole regularly, at least every three years. Do not remove solids through inspection pipes.
• Water conservation and usage: Conserve water and spread water usage throughout the day and week. Repair leaks and use low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Minimise the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps, and detergents. Do not dispose of paints, medications, or other chemicals through the septic system. Keep grease, lint, food, feminine hygiene products, and plastics out of the system.
• Proper waste disposal: Ensure that all waste is disposed of properly. Do not dispose of solids through inspection pipes, and avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as plastics or feminine hygiene products.
• Landscaping considerations: Maintain grass, native grasses, or flowers over the treatment area. Mow regularly but do not fertilise, water, or burn this area. Keep heavy vehicles off the treatment area to prevent compaction and potential damage.
• Professional assistance: Consult a licensed professional for assistance with your septic system. They can provide guidance, inspections, and pumping services as needed to ensure your system functions correctly.

By following these instructions, homeowners can help prevent runoff pollution, protect nearby water sources, and maintain the proper functioning of their septic systems.

Create green infrastructure

Creating green infrastructure is a simple yet powerful solution to reducing runoff pollution in urban and suburban areas. The basic idea is to slow down and absorb polluted runoff, and there are many ways to achieve this.

One strategy is to plant rain gardens and other natural spaces in low-lying areas and in front of downspouts. These natural spaces act as sponges, soaking up rainwater and allowing it to filter slowly into the ground, reducing the amount of runoff that reaches sewers and waterways. Rain barrels can also be attached to downspouts to collect rainwater, which can later be reused for purposes like watering gardens or flushing toilets.

Another approach is to replace old, impermeable pavement with permeable pavement. This type of pavement allows rainwater to seep through to underlying layers of rock and soil, which can then filter out pollutants before the water reaches groundwater aquifers. Permeable pavement can be used for sidewalks, parking lots, or driveways, and it can be more cost-effective than conventional pavement in the long run.

Planting trees is another important component of green infrastructure. Trees intercept rainfall and provide a large surface area for raindrops to land on and evaporate from. The roots of trees also help to soak up water and create channels in the soil, enhancing its ability to absorb rainwater.

Green roofs are another innovative solution. These are living landscapes of vegetation, often featuring hardy grasses, succulents, and wildflowers, that provide insulation for buildings while also capturing and retaining rainwater. The vegetation on green roofs also captures carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to these strategies, green infrastructure can also include roadside plantings, absorbent gardens, and bioswales, which are long, deep channels of native plants and grasses that run parallel to parking lots or roads to absorb and filter rainwater.

By implementing these green infrastructure strategies, communities can not only reduce runoff pollution but also beautify their neighbourhoods, provide shade, improve air quality, and create habitats for wildlife. These natural solutions offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach to managing water and preventing pollution.

Reduce water usage

Reducing water usage is a key strategy to prevent runoff pollution from entering waterways. Runoff pollution is caused by rainwater and snowmelt carrying pollutants from streets, parking lots, rooftops, and other impermeable surfaces directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and oceans. This can be mitigated by reducing the volume of water that becomes runoff in the first place.

One way to reduce water usage is to limit outdoor water usage, such as for gardening or landscaping. This can be achieved by using water-efficient practices such as drip irrigation, mulching, and drought-tolerant plants. Reducing the amount of water used for outdoor purposes means less water will run off into nearby waterways, reducing the risk of pollution.

Another strategy is to decrease water usage in daily household activities. This can include taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving, and fixing any leaky faucets or pipes. By reducing indoor water usage, less water will enter the sewage system, decreasing the likelihood of overflows and reducing the overall volume of wastewater.

Additionally, individuals can install water-saving devices in their homes. Low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can significantly reduce water usage. These devices use less water while still providing the same functionality, minimizing the amount of water that becomes runoff.

Reducing water usage in agricultural practices is also essential. Implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or precision sprinklers, can minimize water usage while still meeting the needs of crops. Conserving water in agriculture not only reduces runoff but also helps to preserve this precious resource, ensuring its availability for future generations.

By implementing these strategies to reduce water usage, individuals, communities, and agricultural practices can play a crucial role in preventing runoff pollution from entering waterways. This, in turn, helps to protect the environment, maintain water quality, and safeguard aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Frequently asked questions