Show All Answers

1. What is storm water runoff?

Storm water originates from rain or melting snow/ice that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, streets, construction sites, lawns, and fields. Storm water runoff can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it makes its way to storm drains and natural waterways.

2. Why should I care about storm water runoff?

Storm water from your home and from the public streets goes into a storm sewer, which goes directly into streams and bodies of water used for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. This water is not cleaned in any way and does not go to the waste water treatment plant. We all drink water, so we are all affected when our water is polluted. Streams and creeks feed into rivers, lakes and the ocean. If you like to fish, swim or boat, pollutants will affect you. When we pollute our water, everyone is affected!

3. What can I do to help prevent storm water runoff?

• Plant native trees and plants
• Clean up after your pets
• Use fertilizers properly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff
• Store gasoline, oil, or other chemical materials indoors
• Monitor storm water inlets near your property
• Never dump anything down the storm drain, in a stream, or other body of water