How To Prevent Stormwater Pollution

What Is Stormwater?
Stormwater is water that originates during precipitation events and snow/ice melt. Stormwater can soak into
the soil (infiltrate), be held on the surface and evaporate, or runoff and end up in nearby streams, rivers, or
other water bodies (surface water).

Why Is Stormwater Management Important?

Stormwater management is a crucial part of being
environmentally responsible – both as a resident and as a
commercial or industrial enterprise. Rain and snowmelt wash
pollutants (e.g. bacteria from animal and human waste, nutrients
and chemicals from garden fertilizers and pesticides, sediments,
petroleum by-products from leaking cars and other vehicles,
metals from rooftops, industrial chemicals, etc.) from streets,
construction sites and land into storm sewers and ditches.
Eventually, these empty the polluted stormwater directly into
streams and rivers with no treatment.

Over time, polluted stormwater degrades our lakes, rivers,

wetlands and other waterways. Nutrients such as phosphorus
and nitrogen can cause the overgrowth of algae resulting in
oxygen depletion in waterways. Toxic substances from motor
vehicles and careless application of pesticides and fertilizers
threaten water quality and can kill fish and other aquatic life.
Bacteria from animal wastes and improper connections to storm
sewer systems can make lakes and waterways unsafe for wading,
swimming and fish consumption. Eroded soil is a pollutant as
well as it clouds the waterway and interferes with the habitat of
fish and plant life.

What Can We Do To Prevent Stormwater Pollution?

 REMEMBER: ONLY RAIN BELONGS IN THE DRAIN! Don’t dump anything down storm drains. Be sure to
clear away branches, leaves, trash and other debris to prevent obstructions.
 Direct downspouts and gutters away from paved surfaces and onto your lawn and plant beds, or into rain
barrels, cisterns or containment areas.
 Avoid pesticides and commercial fertilizers. If you must use, use them sparingly and follow the directions on
the label.
 Sweep up driveways, sidewalks and roads instead of using a hose.
 Check your car for leaks and recycle used motor oil.
 Wash your car with care. Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway. Or, move your
car onto your lawn to wash it, so water soaks into the ground and doesn’t run into sewers. 
 Mow your lawn less often. Try to keep your lawn at least 3 inches in height, which reduces the need for
watering and increases absorption of rain water. Leave grass clippings on your lawn to block weeds and
retain moisture
 Plant more plants. As runoff soaks into the soil, plant roots help absorb and filter out pollutants.
 Compost your yard waste.
 Pick up after your pet!
 If applicable, have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
How To Prevent Stormwater Pollution