Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and 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 stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people. Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats
Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels. Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary. Debris-plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts-washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water. Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.
An illicit discharge is an illegal connection or tie-in to a storm sewer. Municipal storm sewers are designed to convey storm water runoff to nearby lakes and streams to prevent flooding, but they are not designed to handle flow from sources such as gutter downspouts. Generally, there is no treatment to the runoff before it empties into a receiving stream. Dumping anything other than storm water into a storm drain is illegal and considered an illicit discharge.
Examples of Illicit Discharges
- Sanitary wastewater (sewage)
- Septic tank waste
- Car wash, laundry, and industrial wastewaters
- Improper disposal of auto and household toxics, such as motor oil and pesticides
- Spills on roadways and other accidents
Why is an illicit discharge a problem?
Illicit discharges allow pollutants to enter lakes and streams causing public health concerns, unpleasant odors/color, and harming aquatic and animal life. Pollution can also lead to exces growth of vegetation.
How do I spot an illicit discharge?
Look for makeshift pipes or hoses that lead to a storm drain or body of water. Watch for stains, unusual odors,structural damage to streets or gutters and abnormal vegetative growth in nearby lakes and streams.
How can I help reduce polluted storm water runoff?
- Never dump anything down a storm sewer or drain.
- Take used oil to your local quick lube or auto shop.
- Dispose of pet waste in a trash can.
- Wash your car on your lawn so excess water, chemicals and dirt are filtered through grass and vegetation.
- Get involved!
- This web site was designed to provide you with information about what is being done and how you can help to improve water quality in our watershed.
- Drain Commissioner
Storm Drain Stenciling
When it Rains, It Drains
Storm water runoff is a leading contributor to water pollution. Storm water runoff is precipitation from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground and into the closest storm drain.
Go ahead, look along the curb and find a storm drain...it’s a direct connection to the bay.
Storm drains are designed to prevent flooding. Large amounts of water from heavy rain and snowmelt wash over streets and into the drains. Pipes underground transport the water rapidly into the river and bay. The downside is that when water washes into the drain, pollutants are carried along for the ride.
Some examples of pollutants that enter our water way through storm drains are:
- Motor oil * Antifreeze/ transmission fluid *
- Paint * Solvent/degreaser * Cooking grease *
- Detergent * Home improvement waste * Pet waste * Yard waste (leaves, grass, mulch)
- Excessive dirt * gravel * Trash * Construction debris * Pesticides * Fertilizers
Remember:
Only Rain Down the Drain
WHAT ARE WE DOING? We are recruiting volunteers to stencil storm drains and distribute door hangers. Groups such as girl/boy scouts, school groups, church groups, homeowners associations, etc. are encouraged to get involved in protecting our drinking water.
