WHAT IS STORM WATER RUNOFF?
Storm Water is from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called Storm Water Runoff.
Storm Water becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Storm Water travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland, or coastal water. Since Storm Water does not get treated, the pollutants it might carry with it empty into our waters. This is why caring for Storm Water is VITAL for our environment:
Below are important ways to prevent Storm Water pollution:
- Properly dispose of hazardous substances such as used oil, cleaning supplies and paint. NEVER pour them down any part of the storm sewer system. Report anyone who does.
- Properly and sparingly use pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides to prevent excess runoff.
- Look for signs of pollutants such as; soil, debris, and chemicals leaving construction sites in storm water runoff or tracked into roads by construction vehicles. Report poorly managed construction sites that could impact storm water runoff to your community.
- On Residential Property- make use of the rain water! By implementing Rain Barrels or Rain Gardens, you can trap rain water, keeping it on site to use on your lawn and gardens.
- Pick up after pets and dispose of their waste properly. Storm Water carries pet waste FROM ANYWHERE IT IS LEFT to the storm sewer system. Please pick up your pet’s waster where ever you are.
More information can be found in the “When it Rains it Drains” brochure. If you are unable to open the brochure, it is also available in the Township building lobby.