As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors! For more information, visit cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater , www.epa.gov or Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-Southeast Region.
Businesses also need to be aware that things they do or products they use in their daily operations can enter the stormwater system and effect our water sources. Runoff from construction sites, spills at fueling areas and chemicals used to keep outdoor areas clean can be picked up by rainwater and wisked into the storm sewer system. Visit the National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) site to learn what stormwater practices are required by law and what businesses can do help keep pollutants out of the stormwater system.
The photo above shows some of the items that should not go down the drain and some examples of compromised water systems.
Only rain should go down storm drains. Help protect the quality of our greatest resource - clean, safe water.
Information specific to the construction industry can be found at the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Site. Information specific to the automotive industry can be found at Enviromental Compliance for Automotive Recyclers.
Stormwater Management informative brochures and documents to download:
After the Storm (507 KB)
What the Construction Industry Should Know About Stormwater In Our Community (58 KB)
When It Rains, It Drains (1.09 MB)
The main objective in applying fertilizer should be to add necessary nutrients in the required amounts and at the proper time to achieve good quality turf. Fertilizer that is accidentally broadcast onto impervious surfaces such as streets, sidewalks and driveways and not swept up will be washed into our streams and creeks when it rains. Nutrients and pesticides in the fertilizer can harm fish and animals in our waterways. Drop spreaders provide a more precise application than rotary spreaders that disperse particles in a wide pattern. Always sweep or blow stray fertilizer back onto the lawn or bag it to use another day. Always follow the instructions on how much fertilizer to apply. Applying more than the recommended amount is not only harmful to your lawn and the environment, it is also an unnecessary expense.
Remember: Only rain down the drain!