Storm Water Pollution Prevention People unknowingly contribute to water pollution every day. A simple act, such as washing your car in the driveway, fertilizing the lawn, or walking your dog could substantially damage water quality. Material flowing into a storm drain does not get treated before emptying into streams, rivers, and lakes. This untreated material can pollute the waterways in your community. Although individual storm drains may contribute only a small amount of pollutants to a waterway, the combination of many storm drains can have a negative impact on water quality. Some pollutants can even be dumped down storm drains deliberately by people who are careless about the environment or who mistakenly think the storm drains flow into a water treatment plant. Many pollutants like pesticides, antifreeze, and motor oil contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to humans, animals, and plants. Just one quart of motor oil can ruin the quality of 250,000 gallons of water. Animal waste can introduce harmful bacteria and other pathogens into water supplies. Sediment from soil erosion or construction activity can reduce the clarity of the water and block sunlight needed by aquatic plants and fish. Litter and debris, spoil the beauty of lakes, rivers and streams and can be harmful to fish and birds who mistake them for food. What Can You do to Reduce Stormwater Runoff? 1. Sweep, instead of hosting off the driveway or sidewalk. Water run-off from driveways or sidewalks carries contaminants such as dirt, motor oil, fertilizers, and animal waste through storm drains and into waterways. 2. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and follow the directions recommended by the manufacturer. Do not apply fertilizers or pesticides when rain is forecasted. 3. Safely dispose of household cleaners, paint, and motor oil. Products like these should be recycled or taken to a community hazardous waste center. 4. Compost or mulch yard waste. Sweep (do not wash) leaves or grass clippings that accumulate on your driveway, sidewalk, or in the street. 5. Clean up after your pet. Pick up pet waste. Dispose of pet waste properly, such as placing in a trash receptacle or flush it down the toilet. 6. Do not wash your car in the driveway. Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on the lawn or another unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing directly into the storm drain.
Harrison SWCD • 538 North Main Street, Cadiz, Ohio 43907 • Phone: 740–942–8837 • Fax: 740–942–4036