Greta Jimenez
Stormwater pollution is a pressing issue that affects the quality of water used for recreation, drinking, washing, and fishing. Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking lots, and roofs, collecting pollutants before flowing directly into nearby water bodies without treatment. This leads to the contamination of water sources and harm to the environment and wildlife. To address this issue, individuals can take small but impactful actions, such as proper waste disposal, reducing the use of chemicals, and adopting green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Implementing these measures can help reduce stormwater pollution and protect our precious water resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stormwater | Rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water that doesn't absorb into the ground and becomes surface runoff |
| Stormwater runoff | Water that flows over streets, parking lots, and roofs, collecting pollutants before entering storm drains or water bodies |
| Sources of stormwater pollution | Fertilizers, pet waste, yard waste, motor oil, heavy metals, auto fluids, litter, trash, chemicals, paint, cooking oil, grease, insecticides, accidental spills, leaky storage containers |
| Green infrastructure techniques | Rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, green roofs |
| Other methods to prevent stormwater pollution | Maintaining septic systems, picking up after pets, composting manure, reducing impervious surfaces, using non-toxic products, properly disposing of trash and recycling, taking cars to car washes that recycle water |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce use of fertilizers and pesticides
Stormwater pollution is caused by rain that falls on streets, parking areas, rooftops, or other developed land and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. This runoff can pick up pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and yards, as well as oils and coolants spilled from roadways and cars.
To reduce stormwater pollution, it is important to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers are often overused, leading to excess growth, pest problems, and increased pollution through stormwater runoff. When using fertilizers, it is important to apply them sparingly and well in advance of any expected rainfall. Organic, slow-release fertilizers are recommended, and any spills or excess fertilizer on hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and roads should be swept up to prevent them from being washed into nearby water bodies.
Farmers play a crucial role in reducing nutrient pollution by adopting improved nutrient management practices. This includes applying nutrients (fertilizers and manure) in the right amounts, at the right time of year, with the right methods, and in the right locations. By minimizing nutrient losses, farmers can reduce the impact of excess nitrogen and phosphorus on downstream water quality, preventing eutrophication and harmful algal blooms that can be detrimental to aquatic life and humans.
Individuals can also contribute by properly maintaining local stormwater management systems and being mindful of how household chemicals and other pollutants can enter ground and surface water systems. For example, washing cars in areas where water can filter into the ground or landscaping and using only non-toxic, phosphate-free, or biodegradable soaps can help reduce stormwater pollution.
Additionally, implementing green infrastructure techniques, such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs, can help slow down and infiltrate stormwater runoff, allowing plants to naturally filter out pollutants.
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Properly dispose of trash, oil, grease and chemicals
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on surfaces such as streets, parking lots, and rooftops, and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. As stormwater passes over developed land, it picks up pollutants and carries them into nearby water bodies, contributing to water pollution. To reduce stormwater pollution, it is crucial to properly dispose of trash, oil, grease, and chemicals.
When disposing of trash, it is important to separate recyclable materials from general waste. Recyclables such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal should be placed in designated recycling bins or taken to recycling centers. Reusable items, such as glass jars and plastic containers, can be cleaned and reused instead of discarded. Hazardous waste, including chemicals, should be handled with care and disposed of properly. Many household chemicals, such as cleaning products and pesticides, can be disposed of in the trash but must be sealed tightly and marked clearly. Some chemicals may be suitable for drain disposal in small amounts, but always refer to the instructions on the label or contact the chemical provider for guidance.
Cooking oil and grease should not be poured down the drain as they can solidify and clog pipes, leading to plumbing issues. Instead, allow the oil or grease to cool and solidify, then scrape it into a container or wrap it securely before disposing of it in the trash. Vegetable oils, such as canola, sunflower, and olive oil, can often be recycled or repurposed if properly strained and stored. Animal fats, like bacon grease and lard, should be collected in a container and either discarded in the trash or taken to a recycling center that accepts cooking fats.
When camping or spending time in outdoor spaces, it is important to pack out all trash, leftovers, and litter. Burning trash is not recommended as it can cause wildfires and contaminate the environment. Solid human waste should be deposited in catholes dug at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Toilet paper should be buried in a cathole or packed out, especially in arid landscapes. Natural alternatives, such as vegetation or snow, can be used but should also be buried to avoid contamination.
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Avoid washing cars on driveways
Stormwater runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution. Rain and snow flow over streets, parking lots, and roofs, collecting pollutants before entering storm drains and water bodies. As stormwater flows over hard surfaces, it cannot be filtered by soil, plants, or water treatment facilities.
Washing cars on driveways contributes significantly to stormwater pollution. Vehicle wash water contains harmful pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, solvents, and soaps. These pollutants flow into nearby storm drains and negatively impact local streams, lakes, rivers, and marine life. Even biodegradable soaps can pollute the water as they require soil and microorganisms to break them down.
To prevent stormwater pollution from car washing, it is recommended to wash vehicles in areas where water can be directed onto lawns or landscaped areas, allowing it to slowly filter into the ground. Using a bucket of soapy water, ensuring sponges and rags are wrung into the bucket, and emptying buckets onto grass surfaces or sanitary sewer drains can effectively reduce runoff.
Alternatively, taking your car to a commercial car wash is a more environmentally friendly option. Commercial car washes pipe wastewater to water treatment facilities for proper filtration and recycling. While some areas may not have a "car washing law," it is generally illegal to let vehicle wash water run into storm drains due to the harmful pollutants it contains.
By avoiding washing cars on driveways and adopting more sustainable practices, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing stormwater pollution and protecting local waterways and ecosystems.
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Use green infrastructure to slow down runoff
Green infrastructure is a cost-effective and resilient approach to managing stormwater and reducing runoff. It involves implementing natural features into the built environment, such as vegetated rooftops, roadside plantings, absorbent gardens, and other measures that capture, filter, and reduce stormwater.
One way to slow down stormwater runoff is to increase the amount of vegetation and green spaces in urban areas. This can be done by adding trees to landscapes, as their canopy can intercept rainfall and improve infiltration into the soil. Shade trees can also improve air quality and reduce energy usage by providing cooling. Native, drought-resistant plants can be added to gardens, and compost can be used to improve plant growth and further reduce runoff.
Another strategy is to use disconnected downspouts and porous surfaces in outdoor spaces. Downspouts can be re-routed to a cistern or rain barrel to capture rainwater and prevent it from becoming runoff. Porous surfaces, also known as pervious pavement, allow water to infiltrate the ground rather than flowing over hard surfaces.
Green infrastructure practices not only slow down stormwater runoff but also help to remove pollutants. Soil and plants capture and remove contaminants through adsorption, filtration, plant uptake, and the decomposition of organic matter. This improves water quality by reducing the amount of pollution that enters sewers, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Implementing green infrastructure on a large scale can have significant benefits. For example, the city of New York is investing $2.4 billion to retrofit nearly 10,000 acres of impervious surfaces with green infrastructure. This has led to the prevention of nearly three billion gallons of stormwater runoff and sewer overflow annually.
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Maintain your septic system
Maintaining your septic system is crucial to prevent stormwater pollution. Septic systems require regular inspections, maintenance, and pumping to function effectively and avoid costly repairs. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you maintain your septic system:
Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keep your septic system in good condition. Engage a septic service professional to inspect your system at least every three years. These professionals will examine your septic tank for leaks and assess the scum and sludge layers. They will also provide guidance on necessary repairs and maintenance. It is important to keep a record of the maintenance work performed and the condition of your septic system.
Pumping: Septic tanks typically need to be pumped every three to five years. However, the time between pumping can vary depending on factors such as the size of your household, the size of your septic tank, and the amount of wastewater generated. To determine when to pump out your tank, pay attention to the sludge and scum levels. Pumping is necessary when the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the outlet or when the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet.
Water Conservation: Reducing water consumption can significantly decrease the amount of water entering your septic system. Implement water conservation practices such as repairing leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are fully loaded. Consider using high-efficiency toilets, as toilet flushing accounts for a significant portion of household water use.
Proper Waste Disposal: Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and pour down the drain. Avoid flushing trash, wet wipes, cigarette butts, paper towels, and facial tissues. These items can cause clogs and disrupt the proper functioning of your septic system. Similarly, avoid pouring oil, fat, and harsh chemicals down the kitchen drain, as these can harm the healthy bacteria in your septic tank and drain field that are responsible for breaking down organic matter.
Surface and Drain Field Care: Take care of the surface above your septic tank and drain field. Avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment over this area to prevent damage. When planting, maintain a safe distance from your drain field to prevent tree roots from growing into the septic system. Consult a septic service professional for guidance on appropriate distances. Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from the drain field area to prevent excess water from slowing down or stopping the wastewater treatment process.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively maintain your septic system, reducing the risk of pollution and costly repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking lots, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops, or other developed land and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Stormwater picks up and carries pollutants from the ground into nearby water bodies. These pollutants include trash, bacteria from pet waste, chemicals, fertilizers, motor oil, heavy metals, and other auto fluids.
You can take several measures to reduce stormwater pollution:
- Properly dispose of trash, recycling, and hazardous materials such as paint, cooking oil, and grease.
- Avoid using chemicals, fertilizers, and insecticides outdoors, and sweep up any fertilizers from driveways and sidewalks.
- Pick up after your pets and keep animals away from water sources.
- Reduce the use of impervious surfaces and increase vegetated land cover on your property.
- Wash your car at a car wash facility that recycles water, or wash it on your lawn to prevent soapy water from flowing into storm drains.
Green infrastructure techniques, such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs, can help slow down and infiltrate stormwater onsite or redirect it to water treatment facilities. This allows plants to naturally filter out pollutants.
Stormwater pollution has severe environmental, economic, and recreational impacts. It contaminates drinking water supplies, leads to unsanitary living conditions, harms wildlife and their habitats, closes local businesses, and causes neighborhood flooding during the rainy season. Addressing stormwater pollution is crucial to protect our water resources, ecosystems, and communities.
