Only Rain Down the Drain
Water is a precious resource that we rely on for our everyday lives, and our actions can have a significant impact on the quality of our waterways and the ecosystems they support. We can start by taking action for stormwater. When rainwater flows into storm drains, it can carry pollutants with it, endangering natural habitats and aquatic life. Everyone can contribute towards the protection of our waterways and habitats. Keep reading to learn about how stormwater runoff operates and discover five ways to prevent illicit discharge from washing down our storm drains.
Stormwater refers to the excess water generated due to rainfall or melted snow and ice. When this water flows into the storm drains in cities and municipalities, it may carry various pollutants. These pollutants include icky substances like paint, oil, garden fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, dirt, leaves, lawn clippings, pet waste, and even soap suds from washing your car. As rainwater flows down sidewalks, streets, and parking lots in the city, it collects these pollutants before reaching the storm drains. This can be harmful to the natural ecosystems of the watershed, as the substances flow directly into the Cannon River, endangering the environment.
We can prevent harmful discharges from washing down our storm drains in several ways.
Clean up after our pets. Pets are lovely companions, but their waste can harm the environment. Animal waste contains bacteria and parasites that can cause sickness. When pet waste is not disposed of properly, it can wash into our lakes and rivers, where it can decay and release ammonia which is harmful to aquatic life. Additionally, the nutrients in pet waste can promote weed and algae growth, harming other aquatic organisms. Elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in lakes and rivers can also cause unsafe conditions for recreational activities such as swimming. That's why it's important to always clean up after our pets and dispose of their waste properly.
Remove dead leaves and grass clippings. It is important to remove dead leaves and grass clippings from sidewalks, streets, and parking lots to prevent them from being washed into storm drains during rainfall. When these organic materials decompose in water, they use up valuable oxygen essential for aquatic life to survive. Instead of dumping them into the storm drain, you can put them back in your yard for nutrients or learn how to compost. If you don’t have space in your yard to keep a compost pile, your town may have a community composting or yard waste facility that you can use.
Be careful with chemicals. It's essential to be cautious when handling chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and other substances. Use them in the recommended amounts and dispose of them properly. Always read the instructions carefully and use only the necessary amount, or avoid using them altogether. Don't forget that allowing natural predators to control pests is a practical and eco-friendly approach to pest management.
Handle vehicle leaks appropriately. It's essential to fix any vehicle leaks and clean up with an appropriate absorbent material. Spilled oil and other fluids can harm the environment, and any leak on the pavement can cause toxic chemicals to enter our waterways.
Spread awareness. Share resources about stormwater runoff and its environmental impact, as awareness is critical to preventing harmful discharge from entering our storm drains.
In conclusion, protecting our waterways and habitats is crucial for the health of our environment. We can all make a positive impact by understanding how stormwater runoff works and taking simple steps to prevent illicit discharge. By cleaning up after our pets, removing dead leaves and grass clippings, being careful with chemicals, handling vehicle leaks appropriately, and spreading awareness, we can ensure that only rain goes down the drain. Let's all work together to protect our waterways and keep our environment healthy for generations.
