Storm Water
Household Tips
1. Don't Pour Anything Down a Storm Drain
Did you know that storm drains flow directly to the nearest stream? It's true, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant as wastewater does, it receives no treatment.
- Pouring chemicals down a storm drain has the same impact as dumping the chemicals directly into a stream. Never wash a chemical such as paint or cleaner fluids into a storm drain.
- Dumping leaves and grass clippings down storm drains also impacts streams. The increase in nutrients with grass clippings can cause algae growth, which can kill fish and other aquatic life.
2. Follow Manufacturer's Instructions
Applying fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides in excess leads to stormwater pollution. The excess chemicals wash off the lawns with the next rain, and flow into the nearest storm drain and directly to the nearest stream. Once they reach the stream, these chemicals will degrade water quality and are very harmful to aquatic and wildlife.
- Fertilizers stimulate plant and algae growth, which decrease the dissolved oxygen content in the stream, potentially killing aquatic life. Take a soil test to determine what nutrients your soil may need before applying chemicals, or even better; make your own fertilizers by composting your yard trimmings.
- Pesticides and herbicides applied to kill unwanted pests and weeds can also be deadly to aquatic life. There are many alternative and natural compounds that can be used instead. You can find out about these other methods through the nearest Cooperative Extension Service. The Barrow County extension office is located at 90 Lanthier Street, Suite B, in Winder; contact them at (770) 307-3029. Use chemicals only as a last resort!
3. Pick Up After Your Pet
Animal waste contains bacteria, which is harmful to streams.
- Pick up all pet waste and dispose of it properly by wrapping it and placing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet. Never dispose of pet waste in a storm drain.
4. Use a Commercial Car Wash
Commercial car washes are required to contain wash water and do not discharge to streams. Washing your car in your driveway allows soapy water to flow into the nearest storm drain and into streams. Soap and detergents can impair waterways with ingredients such as phosphorus and other harsh cleaning chemicals that can change the pH of streams.
- Use a commercial car wash instead of washing your car at home.
For more information please visit the links below:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.state.ga.us/environ/
Clean Water Campaign
http://www.cleanwatercampaign.com/
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| Wastewater irrigation at The Chimneys Golf Course |