Meghan Hodges
Stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution, as it carries pollutants from streets, parking lots, and other surfaces into local waterways. This can have detrimental effects on the environment, including killing fish and other wildlife, polluting drinking water sources, and increasing flood risk. To decrease polluted runoff, individuals can make small changes such as washing their cars on lawns instead of driveways, properly disposing of motor oil and other automotive fluids, and picking up pet waste. Communities can also implement permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate the ground instead of flowing into storm drains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash vehicles in areas where water can filter into the ground | Avoid washing cars in the driveway or on the street; use a bucket of soapy water and compost grass clippings |
| Use non-toxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable soaps | |
| Do not dump motor oil or other automotive fluids down storm drains | Recycle motor oil and other automotive fluids |
| Pick up pet waste | Dispose of cat litter in the trash; do not compost dog waste, even in a biodegradable bag |
| Do not dispose of household chemicals down the drain | |
| Maintain your septic system | Have your septic system pumped and inspected regularly |
| Use organic, slow-release fertilizers sparingly | Sweep up fertilizers from driveways, sidewalks, and roads |
| Reduce impervious surfaces and increase vegetated land cover | Install permeable surfaces, such as interlocking stone parking spots, that allow water to penetrate and be absorbed into the soil |
| Use rain barrels, artesian wells, or rain gardens to collect sump pump outlets and downspouts |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce the use of concrete and other hard surfaces
Concrete and other hard surfaces are major contributors to runoff pollution. When rainwater and snowmelt run off hard surfaces, they pick up contaminants such as pet waste, pesticides, fertilizer, oil, and other pollutants. This is because, unlike soil, these hard surfaces do not absorb water. Instead, the water runs off the surface and into local creeks, rivers, and bays, where it adversely affects water quality and aquatic life.
To reduce the use of concrete and other hard surfaces, individuals can opt for more permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate and be absorbed into the soil. For example, certain types of interlocked permeable pavers can safely be plowed and reduce the appearance of ice slicks during freeze and thaw cycles.
Another option is to install an artesian well, also known as a dry well. This is a large hole filled with loose rock that serves as a location for excess water to slowly absorb into the soil. A French drain is similar, as it is a drainage ditch filled with loose rock and perforated piping that guides water on the property.
In addition to permeable surfaces, individuals can also reduce the use of concrete and other hard surfaces by opting for more natural landscaping solutions. For example, soil high in organic content retains much more water than other types of soil and is a superb growing medium. Planting rain gardens and other natural spaces in low-lying areas can help to slow down and soak up polluted runoff.
By reducing the use of concrete and other hard surfaces, individuals can help to reduce the amount of runoff pollution and protect local waterways and ecosystems.
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Manage car fluids and wash water
Car fluids and car washing are significant contributors to polluted runoff. Here are some ways to manage these activities and reduce their environmental impact:
Car Fluids
- Regularly check your car for leaks and fix them promptly: Leaking fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and grease can contaminate waterways. Regularly inspect your car for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
- Properly dispose of car fluids: Used motor oil and other automotive fluids should never be dumped down storm drains, on the ground, or into ditches. Take them to a designated drop-off location, such as a recycling centre or a hazardous waste facility.
- Store car fluids responsibly: Keep oily car parts and fluid containers in a safe place where rain and runoff cannot reach them. Use secondary containment to prevent spills in your garage or storage area.
- Clean up spills immediately: If you spill any car fluids, use absorbent materials like kitty litter for a "dry" clean-up method. Do not hose them into the street, as they can eventually reach local waterways.
Car Wash Water
- Choose an appropriate washing location: Avoid washing your car in the driveway or on paved surfaces. Opt for washing it on grass or gravel, where the soapy water can be filtered by the lawn or absorbed into the ground.
- Use a commercial car wash: Consider taking your car to a professional car wash facility, where wastewater is treated or recycled, reducing the environmental impact.
- Use buckets and non-toxic cleaners: When washing your car at home, use buckets of soapy water instead of directly applying soap to the car. Choose non-toxic, phosphate-free, or biodegradable cleaners to minimise the impact on the environment.
- Properly dispose of wastewater: After washing your car, dispose of the wastewater responsibly. Empty buckets into sanitary sewers or onto landscaped areas where the water can be absorbed into the ground. Avoid pouring wastewater onto paved surfaces or into storm drains.
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Pick up after pets
Pet waste can be a significant source of bacteria and a major contributor to polluted runoff. It can contaminate wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers, leading to serious illnesses. When washed away in rainstorms, pet waste, along with agricultural and other runoff, pollutes waterways and can even lead to the closure of beaches and shellfish beds. It also contaminates farmland and permeates the air.
Pet waste, particularly from dogs, can have a significant impact on the environment. The US produces millions of pounds of dog poop each year, and a large percentage of it is not picked up by owners. This waste contains high levels of phosphorus, which can fuel the growth of algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, harm aquatic life, and make swimming unsafe. Dog waste also decreases biodiversity on land by promoting the growth of common plants that block rarer flora from receiving sunlight.
To reduce the environmental impact of pet waste, it is crucial to pick up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly. This means using a bag or pooper-scooper to collect the waste and then throwing it away in a trash can or designated pet waste bin. It is important to dispose of pet waste in a waste receptacle, no matter where it lands. Some people choose to flush pet waste down the toilet, but this can have complications, such as potentially clogging septic tanks.
It is worth noting that some people choose to bury or compost pet waste. However, it is important to ensure that it is done properly and away from waterways. Home composting may not reach high enough temperatures to kill all the pathogens in the waste. There are also specialty pet waste companies that offer composting services, as well as waste digesters that can turn the waste into energy.
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Maintain your septic system
Maintaining your septic system is crucial to prevent contaminated runoff and protect nearby water sources. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you maintain your septic system effectively:
Regular Inspections and Pumping
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your septic system functions properly. The average household septic system should be inspected at least once every three years by a qualified septic service professional. During the inspection, the service provider will check for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. They will also assess the condition of your drainfield, which is responsible for removing contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank.
The frequency of pumping your septic tank depends on various factors, including tank size, the number of people in your household, water usage habits, and the accumulation of solids. On average, septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. However, alternative systems with electrical components or mechanical parts may require more frequent inspections, typically once a year.
Careful Wastewater Management
The proper management of wastewater is crucial in maintaining your septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of your septic system and reduces the risk of malfunctions. Consider installing high-efficiency toilets, as toilet use accounts for a significant portion of household water use. Additionally, be mindful of what you pour down the drain. Avoid disposing of household chemicals and other harmful substances down the drain, as they can contaminate your septic tank and drainfield, harming the healthy bacteria that help break down organic matter.
Proper Landscaping and Drainage
When it comes to landscaping, it's important to maintain a safe distance between your drainfield and any trees or rainwater drainage systems. Plant trees at an appropriate distance, as advised by a septic service professional, to prevent root intrusion into your septic system. Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area, as excess water can slow down or halt the wastewater treatment process.
Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records of your septic system's maintenance and inspections. Keep track of the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional during inspections, as this will help you monitor when your tank needs to be pumped. Save your system's yearly schedule and any maintenance reports. These records will be valuable for future reference and can help you stay proactive in maintaining your septic system.
By following these guidelines and seeking guidance from septic service professionals, you can effectively maintain your septic system, reducing the risk of contaminated runoff and protecting the environment and public health.
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Reduce fertiliser use
Reducing fertiliser use is an important way to decrease polluted runoff. Fertiliser use is a common agricultural practice, with farmers applying nutrients to their fields in the form of chemical fertilisers and animal manure. However, when nitrogen and phosphorus from these fertilisers are not fully utilised by growing plants, they can negatively impact water quality. This excess nitrogen and phosphorus can be washed into waterways during rain or snowmelt and can also leach into groundwater over time.
To reduce fertiliser use and decrease polluted runoff, farmers can implement several practices. Firstly, adopting nutrient management techniques is crucial. This involves applying nutrients (fertiliser and manure) in the right amounts, at the right time of year, with the appropriate methods, and in the correct placement. Farmers can also reduce the frequency and intensity of tilling their fields, as tilling can disrupt the soil structure, making it more susceptible to erosion and increasing the risk of nutrient runoff.
Another way to reduce fertiliser use is to implement conservation tillage practices. This includes methods such as no-till or reduced tillage, which help improve soil health, reduce erosion, and decrease the chance of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff. Keeping livestock and their waste away from streams is also important, as it helps protect stream banks and prevent excess nutrients from entering the water.
In addition, farmers can engage in watershed efforts by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to reduce nutrient pollution. Efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and precision agriculture, can also play a crucial role in reducing fertiliser use and runoff by minimising evaporation and optimising water use. Implementing buffer zones and vegetative strips can act as natural filters, trapping sediment and absorbing nutrients before they reach water bodies.
By following these practices, farmers can reduce fertiliser use, decrease polluted runoff, and minimise the negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Driveways, patios, and walkways can be major contributors to runoff pollution. To decrease polluted runoff from your driveway, you can install permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate and be absorbed into the soil. You can also wash your car on the lawn with a bucket, so that soapy runoff will be filtered by the lawn.
You can remove part or all of your lawn and replace it with native, drought-resistant plants. You can also compost manure in a designated area so that it doesn't wash off into nearby waterways. If you have a septic system, make sure to maintain, inspect, and pump it regularly.
You can pick up litter and pet waste, properly dispose of hazardous waste, and report any illegal dumping into storm drains. You can also advocate for permeable pavements in your community, which can reduce the need for conventional drainage features.
