Mitigating Stormwater Runoff's Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Environment

Stormwater runoff is a significant environmental concern, particularly in urban areas, where rain falls on impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops and flows directly into nearby bodies of water without being treated. As it flows, stormwater picks up various pollutants, including oil, grease, metals, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria from pet waste, and soil, which are then deposited into lakes, rivers, and oceans, causing water pollution. This has led to the closure of shellfish growing beaches and swimming beaches, as well as the contamination of drinking water supplies. To reduce the polluting effects of stormwater runoff, individuals can take several actions, such as properly disposing of waste oils and chemicals, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, maintaining vehicles to prevent fluid leaks, and picking up after pets. Implementing rain gardens, permeable paving, and green infrastructure can also help manage stormwater and reduce its negative impact on the environment.

Reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers

Reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers is an important step in decreasing the polluting effects of stormwater runoff. Here are some detailed strategies to achieve this:

Choose Organic Alternatives

Homeowners can opt for organic fertilisers instead of chemical ones. Organic fertilisers, such as compost and leaf mulch, improve soil health and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. They also help retain moisture, reducing the need for excessive watering.

Reduce Application Rates

If using inorganic fertilisers, it is essential to follow the recommended application rates. Overuse of fertilisers not only wastes money but also increases the risk of polluting water bodies. Using less can significantly reduce the amount of excess nutrients that can leach into the soil and eventually reach local waterways.

Avoid Combination Products

Combination fertiliser, herbicide, and pesticide products should be avoided as they contain excess chemicals that can contaminate water sources. Instead, opt for separate products and always read the labels to ensure you are using them correctly and sparingly.

Practice Low-Impact Yard Care

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing can improve soil health and reduce the need for fertiliser. Additionally, mowing high, or keeping your lawn at least 3" in height, can reduce weed growth and the need for watering, creating a healthier lawn with less maintenance.

Spot Treat Pests and Weeds

Instead of treating your entire lawn or garden with pesticides and herbicides, consider spot-treating affected areas. This targeted approach ensures that only the necessary amount of chemicals is used, reducing the overall impact on the environment.

Embrace Native Vegetation

Replacing part or all of your lawn with native plants, shrubs, and flowers is a beautiful and effective way to manage stormwater. Native vegetation often has deeper root systems, increasing water infiltration and providing habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife.

Be Mindful of Application Timing

Avoid applying fertilisers or pesticides when rain is predicted. Rain increases the likelihood of runoff, causing chemicals to wash into nearby waterways. Check the weather forecast before application, and always follow the instructions on the product labels.

Create Buffer Zones

When applying pesticides, be mindful of vulnerable areas such as sandy soil, wells, and bodies of water. Avoid application near these areas, and consider creating buffer strips—areas of vegetation designed to capture pollutants and sediments before they reach water sources.

Explore Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices

IPM practices offer a more natural approach to pest control. This includes planting pest-resistant and drought-resistant flowers and plants, reducing irrigation, and weatherproofing your home. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can also be introduced to prey on destructive pests.

By implementing these strategies, individuals can significantly reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers, minimising their impact on the environment and contributing to healthier water sources for the community.

Pick up after your pets

Pet waste is a significant contributor to stormwater pollution, which degrades water quality. During rainfall or snow melt, pet waste left on lawns, trails, and sidewalks washes into storm drains, wetlands, streams, and rivers. The waste contains harmful pathogens, including nutrients, bacteria, parasites, and viruses, which can directly impact human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Dog waste, in particular, has been identified as a major source of pathogens, with bacterial levels far exceeding those found in human waste. A single gram of dog waste can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria and potentially parasites, which can cause various illnesses in humans, including cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders.

To reduce the polluting effects of stormwater runoff, it is essential to "pick up after your pets." This means collecting and properly disposing of pet waste. Here are some specific actions you can take:

• Carry disposable bags with you when walking your pet. Clean up the waste and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. Many parks provide pet waste stations with bags and designated disposal areas.
• Set a regular schedule for cleaning up pet waste in your yard, such as once or twice a day. Ensure that you clean up before any expected rainfall to prevent stormwater contamination.
• Avoid disposing of pet waste in storm drains, wetlands, or wooded areas. This will help prevent the spread of pathogens and reduce the impact on water quality.
• If you live near a water body, such as a lake or river, take extra care to keep your pets away from the water's edge. Try to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet between your pet's waste and the water source.
• Consider burying pet waste in a designated area. Dig a hole at least 12 inches deep and at a minimum distance of 200 feet from any water source. Avoid burying it near edible gardens or vegetation.
• Utilize professional services, such as Doody Calls, that specialize in removing pet waste from your home or community.

By following these simple steps and being mindful of proper waste disposal, you can significantly reduce the polluting effects of pet waste on stormwater runoff and help protect the environment, human health, and wildlife.

Wash your car at a commercial car wash

Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to water pollution, as it carries a host of contaminants into nearby water bodies. One way to reduce the polluting effects of stormwater runoff is to wash your car at a commercial car wash.

Commercial car washes are designed to collect and treat wash water before it is discharged into the sanitary sewer system. This is in contrast to washing your car in your driveway or on the street, where the soapy, dirty water can flow directly into storm drains and then into nearby streams, rivers, or lakes. This untreated runoff can have detrimental effects on water quality and the surrounding ecosystem.

By using a commercial car wash, you can help reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water supply. Commercial car washes often recycle their water, treating it to remove contaminants before reusing it. This not only reduces water usage but also minimizes the release of dirty wash water into the environment.

Additionally, commercial car washes are often required to adhere to stricter environmental regulations than residents or businesses that wash cars outdoors. They may be mandated to treat their wash water discharge to remove pollutants before releasing it into the sewer system. This ensures that the water returned to the environment is significantly cleaner and less harmful to aquatic life.

Furthermore, opting for a commercial car wash can help reduce your personal contribution to stormwater runoff pollution. When you wash your car at home, the soapy water mixes with oil, grease, and other contaminants on the ground and flows into nearby storm drains. This adds to the volume of polluted water entering local waterways. By choosing a commercial car wash, you can help lessen the impact of your car washing habits on the environment.

Maintain your septic system

Maintaining your septic system is crucial to prevent stormwater runoff pollution. Septic systems require regular care, including periodic pumping and inspections by a professional. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you maintain your septic system effectively:

• Regular Pumping and Inspections: Have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly by a certified professional. The recommended timeframe for pumping is approximately every 3 to 5 years, depending on factors such as household size, septic tank size, and wastewater production. Regular pumping helps prevent the buildup of sludge and scum, reducing the risk of system failure.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Avoid flushing trash, wet wipes, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, and other non-biodegradable items down the toilet. Only flush standard toilet paper. Additionally, do not dispose of household chemicals or prescription drugs down the drain, as they can contaminate the groundwater through your septic system.
• Care for Your Tank and Drainfield: Ensure that your septic tank and drainfield are surrounded by non-compacted soil. Avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment over this area. Plant grass over the drainfield to stabilize the soil and absorb liquids and nutrients.
• Conserve Water: Reducing water consumption can lower the amount of water entering your septic tank. Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes, and consider installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
• Limit Garbage Disposal Use: Minimize the use of garbage disposals, as they add organic matter to your septic system, requiring more frequent pumping. Instead, consider composting fruit and vegetable scraps.
• Avoid Pouring Oil and Fat Down the Drain: Oils and fats can accumulate in your septic tank and cause issues. Dispose of them separately and avoid pouring them down the kitchen drain.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively maintain your septic system, reducing the risk of pollution from stormwater runoff while also saving money on potential repair or replacement costs.

Reduce impervious surfaces

Impervious surfaces are human-made surfaces that do not allow stormwater to infiltrate the ground. Examples include streets, roofs, parking lots, patios, and walkways, which are usually made from asphalt, concrete, or plastics. These surfaces are a major contributor to stormwater runoff, as they prevent water from being retained on-site and instead allow it to flow directly into local streams or water bodies, carrying with it pollutants such as trash, animal waste, chemicals, oils, and sediment.

One way to reduce the polluting effects of stormwater runoff is to minimise impervious surfaces. This can be done by redirecting rooftop runoff from downspouts to vegetated areas instead of storm drains. For areas that are already impervious, such as driveways and patios, permeable paving or patterns of cement and brick that allow water to filter through can be installed.

Another strategy is to increase the use of native plants that require less fertiliser and pesticides, reducing the amount of chemicals that can be washed away during rain events. Additionally, reducing the amount of lawn can also help, as lawns require frequent watering and care. Replacing lawns with drought-resistant native plants can decrease the amount of water needed and reduce stormwater runoff.

By implementing these measures, communities can reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and the pollutants that are carried with it, helping to protect local waterways and the environment.

Frequently asked questions