Preventing Storm Drain Pollution: Simple Steps For A Cleaner Environment

Storm drain pollution is caused by surface water runoff, which can carry pollutants from roads, driveways, and other impervious surfaces into local waterways. This can be prevented by ensuring that only rainwater enters storm drains, and by using biodegradable or non-toxic cleaning products. Maintaining your car and fixing any leaks can also help, as well as minimising the amount of impervious surfaces around your home.

Don't dump anything down storm drains

To prevent this, you can clear away leaves and debris from storm drains. You can also use biodegradable or non-toxic soap that is phosphate-free when washing your car. This allows the ground to neutralize the soap and grime from your car rather than sending it directly to our creeks and streams. You can also take your car to a commercial car wash where wastewater is either recycled or treated.

Another way to prevent stormwater pollution is to minimize impervious surfaces around your home. Use bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete when possible. This will help to reduce the amount of water that runs off into the storm sewer. You should also make sure that storm drain outfalls are not running in dry weather.

It's also important to keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks. A leaking septic system can leach harmful bacteria into storm sewer systems and local waterways. If you perform your own automotive maintenance, take your used motor oil to an automotive repair shop. They will accept 5 gallons of used motor oil per resident per day.

Clear away leaves and debris

It is important to clear away leaves and debris from storm drains. This is because leaves and debris can block the drains, causing flooding and pollution. When clearing away leaves and debris, it is important to use a broom or a rake rather than a hose or a pressure washer. This is because using a hose or a pressure washer can push the leaves and debris further down the drain, causing a blockage. It is also important to dispose of leaves and debris properly. Do not dump them down the storm drain. Instead, put them in a compost bin or a trash bag.

Another way to prevent storm drain pollution is to minimise impervious surfaces around your home. Use bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete when possible. This will allow water to soak into the ground instead of running off into the storm drain.

Additionally, make sure that storm drain outfalls are not running in dry weather. If they are, it could be a sign that there is a leak in the system. A leaking septic system can leach harmful bacteria into storm sewer systems and local waterways. It is important to keep your system well-maintained to prevent costly repairs as well as pollution.

Finally, be careful with what you put into the storm sewers. For example, when you wash your car on the driveway, that water, dirt, and grime can end up in the system. Traces of these materials can then end up in the stormwater system and local waterways. To prevent this, use biodegradable or non-toxic soap that is phosphate-free. You can also take your car to a commercial car wash where wastewater is either recycled or treated.

Use biodegradable or non-toxic soap

One of the most effective ways to prevent stormwater pollution is to use biodegradable or non-toxic soap. This is because, when you wash your car on your driveway, the water, dirt, and grime can run into the storm sewer and end up in the local waterways. Using biodegradable or non-toxic soap that is phosphate-free can help to minimise the impact of this.

When washing your car, it is also important to clear away any leaves and debris, as this allows the ground to neutralise the soap and grime rather than sending it directly into creeks and streams. You can also take your car to a commercial car wash where wastewater is either recycled or treated.

Another way to prevent stormwater pollution is to minimise impervious surfaces around your home. Instead of using asphalt or concrete, consider using bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers. This will help to reduce the amount of water that runs off into the storm drains.

It is also important to keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks. A leaking septic system can leach harmful bacteria into storm sewer systems and local waterways. If you perform your own automotive maintenance, take your used motor oil to an automotive repair shop for disposal.

Minimise impervious surfaces around your home

To minimise the impact of impervious surfaces, consider using bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete. These materials allow water to permeate through them, reducing the risk of flooding and pollution.

Another way to minimise the impact of impervious surfaces is to install a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that is filled with plants and mulch. It helps to slow down and absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of water that flows over impervious surfaces. Rain gardens also help to filter out pollutants, improving water quality.

If you have a large amount of impervious surface area, such as a parking lot or driveway, consider installing a stormwater management system. This can include features such as bioswales, which are gently sloped channels filled with vegetation that help to slow down and filter stormwater, or rainwater harvesting systems, which collect and store rainwater for later use.

By taking steps to minimise impervious surfaces around your home, you can help to reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality in your community. These measures can also help to create a more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly space.

Keep your septic system well-maintained

Keeping your septic system well-maintained is an important way to prevent storm drain pollution. A leaking septic system can leach harmful bacteria into storm sewer systems and local waterways. This can be prevented by keeping your system well-maintained.

To keep your septic system well-maintained, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your system. This includes checking for leaks, ensuring that the system is properly vented, and that the septic tank is pumped and cleaned on a regular basis. It is also important to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Grease, oil, and other fats should not be poured down the drain as they can clog the system. Instead, they should be disposed of in the trash or recycled.

Another way to keep your septic system well-maintained is to practice water conservation. This means using water efficiently and reducing water waste. This can be done by fixing leaky faucets and toilets, using water-efficient appliances, and practising water-saving techniques such as taking shorter showers and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.

It is also important to be aware of the signs of a failing septic system. If you notice any of the following, it is important to call a professional for inspection and repair: slow drains, gurgling sounds in the pipes, sewage odours, or backups and clogs.

By following these tips and keeping your septic system well-maintained, you can help prevent storm drain pollution and protect local waterways.

Frequently asked questions