Stormwater
When it Rains. It Drains.
Did you know?
Through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Program, your community is mandated by the Federal
Government to manage stormwater runoff in order to reduce the
potential for pollution to enter the streams and waterways in and
around your community?
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is the water from precipitation that flows across
the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice
melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we
call storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners
or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining
water is called stormwater runoff.
Stormwater Pollution – “Good Rain Gone Bad?”
Stormwater becomes a problem when it picks up debris,
chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes
flooding and erosion of stream banks. Stormwater travels
through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up
storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river,
stream, wetland, or coastal water. All of the pollutants storm
water carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because
stormwater does not get treated!
haler
TO WNS HI P OF S HA LE R NE WS
Contributors to Stormwater Pollution
Pet Wastes – When not properly disposed of or left on
the ground, pet waste can get carried away by stormwater,
contributing harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses to our
water.
Vehicle Fluids – During everyday use, toxic fluids from vehicles
(oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze, etc.) drip onto paved areas
where stormwater runoff can then carry them through our
storm drains and into our water.
Fertilizers/Pesticides – If not used properly, fertilizers and
pesticides, for lawn and garden care, can wreak havoc on our
watershed by introducing harmful chemicals into waterways.
Construction Waste – During construction, if proper
precautions are not taken, the chemicals and materials used can
wash into the storm sewer system when it rains causing erosion
and the spread of toxic chemicals.
Restoring Rain’s Reputation: What Everyone Can
Do To Help
Rain by nature is important for replenishing drinking water
supplies, recreation, and healthy wildlife habitats. It only
becomes a problem when pollutants from our activities like pet
waste, vehicle fluids, fertilizers and pesticides, and construction
waste, are left on the ground for rain to wash away. Here
are some of the most important ways to prevent stormwater
pollution:
1.
Pick up after pets and dispose of their waste properly. No
matter where pets make a mess – in a backyard or at the
park – stormwater runoff can carry pet waste from the land,
to the storm sewer system, and into a stream.
2.
Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as used oil,
cleaning supplies and paint – never pour them down any
part of the storm sewer system and report anyone who does.
3.
Use fertilizers and pesticides properly and efficiently to
prevent excess runoff. Install rain barrels or rain gardens,
that capture stormwater and keep it on site instead of letting
it drain away into the storm sewer system.
4.
Report poorly managed construction sites where
stormwater carries soil and other pollutants away from the
site. Construction vehicles tracking debris and chemicals
into the street can also increase stormwater pollution and
should be reported.
Learn more at GatewayEngineers.com
44 Shaler
Source information for this article
provided with permission by the EPA