Kiera Jefferson
Stormwater pollution is a pressing issue that affects our lakes, rivers, and streams. Stormwater runoff collects pollutants such as animal waste, litter, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and grease as it flows over paved surfaces, carrying these contaminants into storm drains and, eventually, our waterways. This has degraded our natural water sources and harmed aquatic life. To combat stormwater pollution, individuals can make small but significant changes, such as using biodegradable products, maintaining septic systems, reducing impervious surfaces, and properly disposing of automotive fluids. Additionally, implementing green infrastructure and low-impact development techniques can help manage stormwater and remove pollutants before they reach our precious water sources.
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What You'll Learn
Use green infrastructure to slow down and filter stormwater runoff
Green infrastructure is a nature-based solution that uses soil, water, and plants to manage stormwater runoff. It aims to slow down, spread out, and filter stormwater before it enters the storm sewer system, preventing pollution and reducing the risk of flooding. Here are some ways to implement green infrastructure to address stormwater runoff:
Rain Gardens and Bioswales
Implement rain gardens or bioswales, which are shallow basins or channels filled with native plants, grasses, flowers, and customized soils. These gardens are designed to trap, absorb, and filter stormwater runoff, preventing it from overwhelming sewers. Bioswales are particularly effective in managing large quantities of runoff from impervious surfaces like parking lots or roads, and they can be placed alongside these areas. Rain gardens can be used in various settings, from street medians to small yards, and they are more absorbent than conventional lawns.
Green Roofs
Install green roofs, which involve planting vegetation on roofs to temporarily store and slow down stormwater runoff. This reduces the volume and velocity of runoff, promoting evapotranspiration and reducing the burden on the sewer system.
Porous Pavement and Infiltration Trenches
Use porous materials like porous asphalt or porous play surfaces for pavement. These materials allow water to pass through their surfaces, slowing down and redirecting stormwater while filtering it through the soil. Infiltration trenches are another option, which are below-ground beds of stone that collect and redirect excess stormwater, allowing it to seep into the ground or slowly return to the sewer system after a storm.
Planter Boxes and Tree Boxes
Utilize planter boxes or tree boxes, which are typically placed along sidewalks, roadways, or within parking lots. These boxes use soil, gravel, and plants to infiltrate and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces, improving absorption and reducing pollution.
Stormwater Wetlands
Implement stormwater wetlands, which imitate natural wetlands by collecting and storing water, allowing it to filter through the soil. These wetlands not only manage stormwater but also enhance the community by providing habitats for wildlife and aesthetic benefits.
By adopting these green infrastructure practices, we can effectively slow down and filter stormwater runoff, reducing pollution and improving the quality of our waterways.
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Avoid dumping anything harmful down storm drains
Stormwater runoff is often worsened by human activities, and can contain harmful pollutants from fertilizers, pesticides, pet and yard waste, motor oil, and other automotive fluids. As stormwater flows over hard surfaces directly into storm drains, there is no opportunity for soil and plants or a water treatment facility to filter out these pollutants.
To avoid dumping anything harmful down storm drains, it is important to properly dispose of chemicals and automotive fluids. Motor oil and batteries can be recycled, and other products like paint, herbicides, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals should be brought to a facility for proper disposal. Always clean up after any spills and avoid allowing any chemicals to reach the storm drains.
In addition, it is important to keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks. Leaking septic systems can leach harmful bacteria into storm sewers and local waterways. When washing your car, do it in an area where the water can be directed onto a lawn or landscaped area and can slowly filter into the ground. Avoid washing your car in your driveway, as the water, dirt, and grime will end up in the stormwater system. Instead, consider taking your car to a car wash facility where wash water is filtered and recycled.
Another way to reduce stormwater pollution is to install a rain barrel or cistern to capture roof runoff. Rain barrels help to conserve water and provide natural nutrients that are better for gardening than tap water. By using harvested rainwater for outdoor tasks, you can minimize your use of chemical fertilizers and reduce the amount of polluted stormwater entering waterways.
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Keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks
Stormwater pollution is a serious issue that can degrade lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other waterways. Stormwater runoff collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, soil, and other potential pollutants, which are then washed directly into storm drains and ditches, eventually emptying into streams and rivers without treatment.
To prevent stormwater pollution, it is crucial 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. Here are some detailed instructions to maintain your septic system:
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Call a licensed and reputable septic service provider to inspect for leaks and examine the sludge layers in your septic tank regularly. Keep detailed maintenance records, including the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional, to track when your tank needs to be pumped out.
- Water Conservation: Efficient water use improves the operation of your septic system and reduces the risk of malfunctions. Conserve water by using high-efficiency toilets, spreading water usage throughout the day and week, and avoiding high-water usage activities like washing all your clothes on a single "laundry day."
- Proper Waste Disposal: Your septic system is not a trash can. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Do not flush or pour down the drain items such as tissues, diapers, feminine products, hair, dental floss, cooking oil, grease, paint, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners. These items can clog and damage your septic system and harm the healthy bacteria that help break down organic matter.
- Drainfield Care: Do not park or drive on your drainfield, and keep it clear of trees and shrubs to prevent root interference with pipes. Ensure that roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems direct water away from the drainfield area to prevent excess water from slowing down or stopping the wastewater treatment process.
- Use of Natural Cleaners: Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, antibacterial soaps, and disinfectants, as these can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic system and contaminate the treated wastewater. Opt for natural or plant-based cleaning alternatives whenever possible.
By following these guidelines and staying mindful of your septic system's needs, you can help prevent leaks and protect the environment from stormwater pollution.
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Wash your car in an area where water can filter into the ground
When you wash your car on a hard surface such as a driveway, the water, soap, and dirt are washed into the storm drain and directly into local waterways. This causes pollution that is harmful to everyone and everything in the ecosystem.
Washing your car on a grassy area allows the ground to filter the water naturally. This is known as green infrastructure, which helps to slow down and spread out stormwater runoff, allowing the soil and plants to filter out pollutants. You can also dump your dirty wash water down a sink or toilet so that it can be treated at a wastewater facility before being discharged.
If you are washing your car on a paved area, divert the wash water away from storm drains and towards a lawn or landscaped area. You can also use a commercial car wash, where wash water is filtered and recycled. Most commercial car washes use 60% less water than a simple home wash and send their dirty water to a sanitary sewer system for treatment.
To further prevent stormwater pollution, you can install a rain barrel to capture roof runoff and use this harvested rainwater for watering lawns, gardens, and potted plants. This helps to conserve water and provides natural nutrients that benefit plants more than tap water.
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Use organic alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides
Stormwater pollution occurs when water from rain or melting snow does not soak into the ground, instead flowing from rooftops, paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns, and collecting pollutants as it travels. This includes animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, and soil. This polluted water is then emptied directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, degrading these ecosystems.
One way to prevent stormwater pollution is to use organic alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause algae overgrowth and deplete oxygen levels in waterways. By using organic, slow-release fertilizers sparingly and following manufacturer recommendations, you can reduce the risk of these nutrients being washed into storm drains. It is also important to sweep up fertilizers from driveways, sidewalks, and roads to prevent them from being washed away.
As an alternative to chemical pesticides, consider adopting organic gardening techniques. Companion planting, which involves planting certain types of plants together, can help repel insects and improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation. "Soft" chemicals like soap, stinging nettles, and rhubarb are also effective alternatives. Additionally, you can encourage natural predators like ladybird beetles and birds to feed on pests, or introduce parasites that target specific pests.
Another method to reduce the need for fertilizers is to implement green infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, and rain barrels. These techniques slow down stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate the ground and be naturally filtered by plants. Rain barrels, in particular, can help conserve water and provide natural nutrients that are beneficial for gardening, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
By using organic alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides, you can play a crucial role in preventing stormwater pollution and protecting our natural waterways.
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Frequently asked questions
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns, collecting pollutants such as animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, and soil.
Stormwater runoff carries pollutants, which are then washed into storm drains, wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers. This polluted water degrades our waterways and can kill fish and other aquatic life.
There are several ways to prevent stormwater pollution, including:
- Using biodegradable or non-toxic soap when washing your car and washing it on the grass, so that the ground can neutralize the soap and grime.
- Fixing fluid leaks and properly disposing of motor oil and other automotive fluids.
- Using organic fertilizers sparingly and well in advance of a rainstorm.
- Installing a rain barrel or cistern to capture roof runoff.
- Maintaining your septic system to prevent leaks.
Green infrastructure helps to slow down stormwater runoff and spread it out over the land, allowing it to slowly soak into the ground. This gives plants the opportunity to filter out pollutants. Examples of green infrastructure include rain gardens, pervious pavement, and green roofs.
