After it rains, the streets look cleaner -- and that's a problem. Stormwater rushing over our roofs, lawns, driveways, streets, and sidewalks picks up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, fertilizers, sediment, and animal waste. These pollutants wash untreated, either directly or via a storm sewer, into our local creeks, streams, and rivers.
You Can Make a Difference
Keep Polluted Water Out of Streams
Everyday activities often cover impervious surfaces with a coating of various harmful materials. Pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease, pathogens, excess nutrients, and trash are common stormwater pollutants. There are simple ways to prevent stormwater pollution around your home:
- Use fertilizers and lawn chemicals sparingly.
- Sweep up extra fertilizer that falls on your driveway or sidewalk.
- Pick up after pets. Pet waste contains bacteria that pollutes water.
- Take your vehicle to the car wash or wash it on the lawn to prevent soapy water from leaving your property.
- Fix oil and antifreeze leaks from your car.
- Promptly clean up spills to prevent them from washing into the street and storm drain.
- Clean paintbrushes in a sink, not outdoors, and property dispose of excess paints through a hazardous waste collection program.
- Recycle or compost when possible.