Storm water pollution from point sources and nonpoint sources is a challenging water quality problem.  Unlike pollution from industry or sewage treatment facilities, which is caused by a discrete number of sources, storm water pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere.  Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites and pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil and grease, and many other pollutants on the way to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.  Storm water runoff is our most common cause of water pollution.  Because stormwater pollution is caused by so many different activities, traditional regulatory controls will only go so far.  Education and outreach are key components to any successful storm water program.

As storm water flows over driveways, lawns, and
sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt
and other pollutants. Storm water 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!

Vehicle and Garage:
Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody.

Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.

Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden:
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.

Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant.
Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.

Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into the storm drain.

Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies.

Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Home Repair and Improvement:
Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.

Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.

Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.

Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.

Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.

Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area.