Public Education

What do you know about stormwater pollution?

Stormwater pollution is a growing concern that impacts our environment and communities. As rainwater flows over surfaces, it collects harmful pollutants, threatening local waterways and ecosystems. Understanding this issue and its impact is key to safeguarding clean water for future generations.

Stormwater pollution can result from contaminated runoff from urban areas as it drains from streets or property through the municipal stormwater drainage system and into our waterways (bayous, channels, ditches, etc.). The contaminated stormwater may affect waterbodies we use for fishing, swimming and providing drinking water.

Common residential activities — lawn mowing and fertilizing, car washing and maintenance, and the application of pesticides and herbicides — may add contaminants to stormwater. Other common items that may be carried by runoff if not disposed of properly include cigarette butts, styrofoam containers, wastepaper and plastic products.

In our area, the sanitary sewer system and the stormwater drainage system are two separate systems.The sanitary sewer system collects household wastewater from toilets, showers and sinks. The wastewater is sent to a treatment plant prior to discharge to the receiving stream. In contrast, stormwater is not usually treated and may carry contaminants directly into our waterways.

Here are some helpful tips:
Household Cleaning Product Use
  • Buy only the amount needed.
  • Clean up spills immediately. Follow the directions on the product’s label.
  • If possible, purchase nontoxic, biodegradable and/or recyclable products.
  • Dispose of unused portions and containers properly.
Fertilizer/Herbicide/Pesticide Use
  • Do not over-fertilize near ditches, streams, or other water bodies.
  • Don’t fertilize or apply pesticides before an expected rain – the chemicals may wash away into the stormwater drain.
  • Store pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals in a covered area to prevent contamination of runoff.
  • Choose the most effective but least toxic product, such as dehydrating dusts, insecticide soaps, etc.
  • Dispose of unused portions and containers properly.

The sole purpose of a stormwater drainage system is to transport stormwater to the nearest waterway. Dumping trash, pollutants and debris into the storm drain is illegal and is a violation of the Clean Water Act.

To learn more about Stormwater Pollution, visit www.cleanwaterclearchoice.org.

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution

  • Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters
  • Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
  • Vegetate bare spots in your yard
  • Compost your yard waste
  • Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems
  • Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff
  • Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
  • Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil
  • Pick up after your pet
  • Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly