What is Stormwater
Runoff?
Stormwater
runoff occurs when precipitation from rain flows over the ground. Impervious
surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from
naturally soaking into the ground.
Why is stormwater runoff a problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris,
chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or
directly to a lake, stream, wetland, or bay.
Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into
the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.
Stormwater Pollution Solutions
Residential
Recycle or properly dispose of
household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides,
paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. DO NOT pour them
onto the ground or into storm drains.
Lawn Care
Excess fertilizers and
pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams and our
bay. In addition, yard clippings and
leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter
to those water bodies.
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Don't overwater your lawn.
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Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
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Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or
sweep it into storm drains or streams.
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Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.