Stormwater

Why Should We Care About Stormwater Pollution?

Drinking Water -- Stormwater pollution can impact our surface waters which directly impacts the source of our drinking water. Water is a staple in our daily lives. We use it for drinking, washing our clothes, showering, watering our lawns and more. As pollution continues to impact drinking water supplies, there will be continued efforts to test and treat contaminants, leading to increasing prices for clean and safe drinking water.

Habitat -- Urban development can alter their habitat by polluting water, changing water temperature, degrading in-stream and riparian habitat, and altering the natural flow of rivers and streams. Water pollution creates an unhealthy environment for habitat and wildlife that live in and around waterways. The erosion of sediment into rivers and streams can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life that need gravel and rocks to spawn and rear their young (i.e. fish and frogs). Sediment can also fill in pools that are an important part of fish habitat.

Recreation -- Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near polluted rivers, lakes and streams. It can cause a decline in fish populations, disturb habitats and limit water recreation activities. E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria from human and animal waste is often carried in polluted stormwater runoff posing a threat to humans and the overall health of the ecosystem.

Where Does Stormwater Pollution Come From?

There are many different types and sources of stormwater pollution. There are the four main categories of land uses that have impacts on our water resources.

Commercial -- Involves businesses that are retail oriented or perform services for customers. Examples include auto service shops, gas stations, restaurants and lawn care services. Motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters and cleaners can all be potentially harmful to the environment if not recycled. Oil and grease contain hydrocarbon compounds, some of which can injure or kill aquatic life even at low concentrations.

Industrial -- Land uses that are involves in manufacturing, production or transportation, including construction activities. Waste generated at an industrial site, when exposed to rain or outdoor watering, can wash into rivers, streams and lakes.

Residential -- Residential areas and neighborhoods can significantly impact rivers, lakes and streams due to polluted stormwater runoff. Improper disposal of yard clippings, fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides can lead to the exposure of excessive nutrients can discharge into receiving waters (lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks). Washing your vehicle on the driveway or street allows a perfect opportunity for the soapy water and other cleaning chemicals to make their way down the street into a storm drain and the nearest stream. The household hazardous wastes in and around your home can affect your family and pets and can be toxic to fish and wildlife. A simple solution to water pollution is picking up after your dog. When it rains, your pet's "business" is washed down into the street and storm drain contaminating our rivers, lakes and streams with unhealthy levels of bacteria.

Ten Ways You Can Help!

1. Never dump anything down a storm drain or drainage ditch.
2. Recycle motor oil and other vehicle fluids.
3. Throw litter in its place.
4. Clean up after your pet.
5. Check your vehicles for leaks (repair them!)
6. Reduce the amount of household hazardous wastes generated at home.
7. Compost yard clippings.
8. Use fertilizer and pesticide only when needed. (Read the label!)
9. If you wash your vehicle at home, do so on the lawn rather than on pavement.
10. Tell a friend or neighbor about how to prevent stormwater pollution and get involved in your community.

Reporting Stormwater Problems

To report a stormwater problem, such as: Illegal Dumping; Suspicious Discharge; Muddy Runoff; Clogged Drainage Structures; Flooding; Stream Obstructions; and/or Structure Repairs, please go to our feedback page or call 678-785-1000. All reported problems will be addressed during the hours of: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday Through Friday. Call 911 to report immediate emergencies.

Additional Resources

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