Meghan Hodges
Stormwater pollution is a pressing issue that arises when excess water from rain, snowmelt, and irrigation cannot absorb into the ground and instead flows over streets, parking lots, and roofs, picking up and carrying pollutants such as trash, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, toxins, oil, and dirt into nearby water bodies. This runoff is a significant source of nutrient pollution, contaminating rivers, lakes, and streams. Preventing stormwater pollution requires collective efforts, with individuals, communities, and local governments playing a role in mitigating this issue. Small actions, such as proper waste disposal, reducing fertilizer use, maintaining vehicles to prevent fluid leaks, and responsible pet waste management, can make a significant impact in reducing stormwater pollution and protecting our natural water sources.
How to prevent stormwater pollution
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicle maintenance | Fix oil leaks, recycle used oil, antifreeze and other fluids, get vehicle emissions checked and repaired |
| Car washing | Wash your car at a commercial car wash, or in an area where water can be directed onto a lawn or landscaped area, use non-toxic, phosphate-free or biodegradable soaps |
| Reduce use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides | Sweep up fertilizers from driveways, sidewalks and roads, use organic fertilizers sparingly and well in advance of a rainstorm, let your lawn go golden brown in the summer months, compost or mulch lawn clippings, replace part of your lawn with native, drought-resistant plants |
| Septic systems | Have your septic system regularly pumped and inspected by a professional |
| Pet ownership | Pick up after your pets, keep animals out of streams |
| Disposing of trash | Properly dispose of trash, including cigarette butts, never flush cat litter down the toilet or compost it, dispose of motor vehicle batteries and used motor oil at designated locations |
| Spills | Report spills as soon as possible |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce rooftop runoff by directing downspouts to vegetated areas
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on rooftops, streets, parking areas, sports fields, gravel lots, and other developed land and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. As it flows, stormwater runoff picks up nutrients and pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, pet and yard waste, pesticides, oil, grease, metals, bacteria, litter, and more, which are then carried into nearby water bodies.
One way to prevent stormwater pollution is to reduce rooftop runoff by directing downspouts to vegetated areas. Downspout disconnection is a simple, effective, and inexpensive way to achieve this. Instead of directing downspouts to storm sewers or impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, or streets, they can be redirected to lawns, gardens, or other vegetated areas. This allows the runoff to slowly infiltrate the ground and be filtered by the vegetation, reducing the amount of water and pollutants that leave your property.
To implement downspout disconnection, you can cut the downspout above the ground surface and install a splash block that directs the water to an adjacent grassed area. In some cases, you may need to add an additional length of downspout or a corrugated drain pipe to transfer the water away from foundations or other hardscapes. Make sure to cover or plug the hole left by the downspout in the storm sewer system. It is recommended to have a slope of 2% (approximately 2 inches of drop per 8 feet of horizontal distance) to ensure positive drainage on vegetated surfaces.
You can further enhance this system by directing the downspout runoff into a rain garden or other landscaped areas with native plants, bioretention cells, vegetated swales, or infiltration trenches. Rain barrels can also be added to collect the runoff for controlled infiltration or reuse. Proper maintenance of the gutters, downspouts, and landscape is important to improve the effectiveness of the disconnection and reduce runoff. This includes regularly cleaning and clearing gutters, checking for holes or gaps, and ensuring positive drainage to prevent water collection and potential damage.
By redirecting downspouts to vegetated areas, you can reduce rooftop runoff, decrease the stress on sewer systems, and minimize the amount of pollutants entering nearby water bodies. This simple practice helps to better manage stormwater and protect natural resources.
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Avoid dumping anything down a storm drain
Storm drains are designed to managing stormwater runoff, but they often also inadvertently collect and convey pollutants if people dump substances down them. To prevent stormwater pollution, it is important to avoid dumping anything—liquids, solids, or debris—down a storm drain. Here are some specific guidelines to follow:
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Never dump trash, litter, or debris down a storm drain. This includes items such as leaves, grass clippings, branches, and other yard waste, as well as food waste, plastic bags, and other garbage. Instead, properly dispose of waste in designated trash bins or recycling containers. If you see trash or debris around a storm drain, pick it up and dispose of it properly to help prevent it from entering the stormwater system.
- Hazardous Substances: Do not pour chemicals, paints, solvents, motor oils, or other hazardous substances down a storm drain. These substances can be extremely
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$135.63
Pick up after your pets
Pet waste is a significant source of stormwater pollution. It is considered a major pollutant due to its high bacterial content, with a single gram of dog waste containing up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, including E. coli, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Dog waste also contains parasites and nutrients that promote weed and algae growth, leading to cloudy and unattractive water for recreational activities.
When pet waste is left on the ground, it can be washed into storm drains and nearby water bodies during rainfall or snowmelt. This runoff can contaminate lakes, rivers, and oceans, impacting water quality and posing risks to wildlife and human health. Dog waste that seeps into the ground can also contaminate groundwater reserves.
To prevent stormwater pollution, it is crucial to pick up after your pets and properly dispose of their waste. This means using a bag to collect the waste during walks and disposing of it in a trash receptacle. Some parks provide pet waste stations with dedicated waste bins, ensuring the bagged waste is appropriately discarded.
At home, it is essential to maintain a clean yard by regularly picking up pet waste. Setting a schedule, such as once a day or every other day, can help ensure timely cleanup. It is especially important to clean up before a rainstorm to prevent the waste from being washed away and contributing to stormwater pollution.
By being responsible pet owners and properly disposing of pet waste, we can play a significant role in reducing stormwater pollution and protecting our environment and health.
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Avoid fertilising before a rainstorm
Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution. Rainwater that falls on streets, parking areas, and other developed land picks up nutrients, pollutants, and whatever else is on the ground and carries them into nearby water bodies. Fertilizers are a common source of these pollutants, and when applied before a rainstorm, they can be washed into nearby storm drains, wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers, causing water pollution that damages the natural balance of ecosystems.
To prevent stormwater pollution, it is important to avoid fertilizing before a rainstorm. Here are some tips to consider:
- Timing is crucial: Pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure only light rain is expected. While light rain is generally acceptable, heavy rainfall can wash away fertilizer nutrients before they have a chance to soak into the soil and benefit your lawn.
- Allow sufficient time: If you apply fertilizer shortly before a rainstorm, it may not have enough time to break down and be absorbed by the grass roots. This can lead to runoff, as the excess fertilizer is washed into nearby water bodies.
- Consider the type of fertilizer: Liquid fertilizers are more susceptible to being washed away compared to granular fertilizers. Granular fertilizers get sticky as they break down, which helps them stay in place.
- Use organic fertilizers: Opt for organic slow-release fertilizers, which can help reduce the impact on the environment.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations: Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This includes guidelines on application timing, dosage, and any specific considerations for different types of grass or climates.
- Sweep up fertilizers: If you accidentally spill fertilizer on driveways, sidewalks, or roads, be sure to sweep it up to prevent it from being washed away by stormwater.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of the potential impact on the environment, you can help prevent stormwater pollution and protect the natural balance of ecosystems.
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Use non-toxic products outdoors
Using non-toxic products outdoors is an important way to prevent stormwater pollution. Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution, as it picks up nutrients, chemicals, and pollutants from various sources and carries them into water bodies. This can lead to oxygen depletion, the overgrowth of algae, and the contamination of lakes and waterways, making them unsafe for recreational activities and aquatic life.
To prevent this, it is essential to use non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly products for outdoor activities. When cleaning your car, opt for biodegradable or non-toxic soaps and cleaners that are phosphate-free. Avoid using harsh chemicals, and if you need to use them, ensure proper disposal. Clean paintbrushes indoors, and dispose of excess paint through household hazardous waste collection programs.
When fertilizing your lawn, choose organic, slow-release fertilizers, and avoid fertilizing before a rainstorm. Use fertilizers sparingly and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Sweep up any fertilizers from driveways and sidewalks to prevent them from washing away. Additionally, consider using compost and mulch to improve plant growth and reduce stormwater runoff.
If you have a pool, spa, or fountain, do not drain them into a storm drain. Allow chlorine to dissipate for several days, and test the water to ensure residual chlorine is zero before draining it into a landscaped area or a sanitary sewer. By following these practices, we can minimize the impact of stormwater pollution and protect our local waterways.
Furthermore, it is essential to address other sources of pollution, such as motor vehicles. Check your car for leaks and spills, and make repairs promptly. Recycle motor oil and other automotive fluids properly, and never dump them down storm drains or onto the ground. By taking these additional steps, we can further reduce the pollution entering our stormwater systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking areas, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops, or other developed land and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and other water bodies.
Stormwater picks up and carries pollutants from the ground into nearby water bodies. These pollutants include trash, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, toxins, oil, dirt, and more.
Stormwater pollution can contaminate drinking water supplies, close local businesses, harm or kill fish and other wildlife, and lead to unsanitary living conditions and neighborhood flooding during the rainy season.
Stormwater pollution can be prevented by properly disposing of waste, using non-toxic products outdoors, picking up after pets, reducing the use of fertilizers, and maintaining vehicles to prevent auto fluid leaks.
