Stormwater Pollution

stormwater

Stormwater pollution is a major cause for concern because they are misunderstood. I didn't realize this before but water that runs under the sidewalks throughout your cities are not sewer drains but are stormwater drains. Because they are different they are treated differently.

Sewer pipes for example, is waste water that flows down you drain, shower, toilet, etc... you know the yucky stuff. This sewer water is brought back to the treatment plant to be cleaned and treated. If you live in a rural community you'll most likely have a septic tank where all the waste is store until you get it drained.

Stormwater drains however are the large pipes that run throughout communities. Their one and only purpose is to help prevent flooding by assisting the flow of rain water. The network of storm pipes also make it easy to install communication cables or gas-lines.

The point I am trying to make is that whatever you dump into the street drains will be taken directly to your local lakes or rivers. With that being said, there are a few common mistakes people make that are cause for serious pollution.

Excess lawn fertilizer washed into the storm drain by rainfall or over-watering.
Oil, grass, gravel and dirt left on the street, ultimately makes its way down the storm drain.
Soapy water that escapes from washing the car will make its way to the river.

Source: Stormwater Violation

Tags: stormwater violation, stormwater pollution, stormwater protect, stormwater environment, water pollution, water environment