How to Eliminate Storm Water Pollutants
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and sloped lawns. As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports animal waste, litter, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, soil and other potential pollutants.
The health of a waterway, as well as of its flora and fauna, can be determined by a combination of chemical, biological, and physical assessments. Inorganic water pollutants include acids caused by industrial discharge, ammonia from food processing waste, chemical waste, some forms of agricultural fertilizers, and silt from logging and construction projects, and unfortunately, can all be found in our water ways.
Polluted stormwater degrades our lakes, rivers, wetlands and other waterways. Nutrients can cause the overgrowth of algae resulting in oxygen depletion in waterways, toxic substances from motor vehicles and careless application of pesticides and fertilizers threaten water quality, and can kill fish and other aquatic life.
If you are looking for a way to eliminate pollutants in your own water supply, you have a few options. You can use storm water filters or a catch basin insert as a stormwater management technique. Stormwater filters are inexpensive and require minimum maintenance, making them a great option for your stormwater drainage treatments.
Installing a rain barrel or cistern to capture roof runoff helps prevent stormwater from reaching waterways and reduces the potential for pollution, and is another great option. If you are not sure you want to install a stormwater drainage apparatus, there are a few other things you can do.
Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don’t pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
Finally, stormwater drainage is impacted by things as little as pet waste. Remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain, polluting stormwater drainage.
Doing your part to eliminate stormwater run off will help to clear up our water supplies from potentially harmful pollutants. Even tasks as simple as picking up your pet waste could do some good, so do not over look your potential to help the cause.
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