Storm Drains

Rain Going Into a Storm DrainStormwater systems are designed to carry rainwater off streets during heavy storms to help prevent flooding. Water flows off of streets, parking lots, yards and driveways into storm drains and then discharges into local waterways.

Unfortunately, these systems also carry trash, debris, chemicals and bacteria along with the runoff water. Storm water is never treated at a treatment plant before it enters local waterways, so we all must do our part to prevent waste from entering the storm drains.

What You Can Do

  • Never dump anything down the storm drain.
  • Water Flowing Into a Storm DrainKeep yard clippings out of the street. Sweep them for compost or dispose of in the trash.
  • Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep excess fertilizer from driveways and sidewalks after application.
  • When applying pesticides and other chemicals to your yard, use the least toxic materials in the lowest quantities as possible.
  • Wash your car at a car wash instead of your driveway. Car washes are required to treat water that is used, while water that flows from your driveway into the storm drain is not treated.
  • Check your car often for leaks and recycle your used motor oil at the Environmental Collection Center.
  • Pick up after your pet.
  • Drain swimming pools and spas into a sanitary sewer outlet, never into the street.

To learn more about stormwater, watch the Stormwater to Drinking Water video and Freddy the Fish Teaches About Stormwater video.